ASSESSMENT OF PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES OF LASSA FEVER AMONG ADULTS LIVING IN HOUSING ESTATE, OWO, ONDO STATE.

ABSTRACT Lassa fever is a re-emerging zoonotic viral disease associated with sudden and potentially severe hemorrhage due to infection by Lassa virus. Considering the epidemiological pattern of Lassa fever virus infection, western African countries such as Benin, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, guinea, sierra Leone and Liberia are considered endemic to Lassa. Lassa fever is a neglected disease in west Africa. The rodent vector, Matomys natalensis and related species continue to flourish without strategic intervention in the associated ecological environment. This study is thus aimed to assess the preventive and control measures towards lassa fever among adults in Housing estate, Owo, Ondo State. A cross-sectional descriptive study was employed. A total number of 80 respondents were selected for the study using simple random sampling techniques, data was collected using standardized, self-administered questionnaire. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were aware of Lassa fever (81.25%) but have not received any information or education on Lassa fever control and prevention in the past year. Most if the respondents (78.75%) could not identify the symptoms of Lassa fever and do not know how Lassa fever is transmitted from person to person (87.5%). Most of the respondents (88.75%) carries out regular cleaning and sanitizes their living spaces to prevent rodent infestation. 68.75% of the respondents were using appropriate storage methods to keep food safe from rodents while 31.25% were not. Most of the respondents (72.5%) believed individual actions can make a significant difference in preventing the spread of Lassa fever and were willing (83.75%) to participate in community led initiatives focused on Lassa fever control and prevention. A test of the hypothesis revealed a significant association between the knowledge and attitude of respondents towards Lassa fever prevention and control. Findings from this study revealed that despite several risk communication interventions implemented and awareness campaigns, some of the respondents preventive and control practices were poor and could sustain the transmission of the virus. Hence, the need to target sensitization and community programs among community members.