Hunting: A risk factor associated with malaria infection in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a known major health problem affecting half of the world’s population. The disease prevalence is associated with some occupational risks. The aim of this study was to determine malaria prevalence among hunters in Ogun state, southwest Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered on 212 consenting hunters whose blood samples were collected. The blood samples were screened for Plasmodium species by microscopy using both thin and thick blood smears. Blood parameters were monitored in both infected and non-infected hunters; Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, WBC count, and RBC count. Plasmodium falciparum was observed in the blood of 38 hunters (17.9%), of which three had a PCV of ≤ 33%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Plasmodium parasite and gender of the hunters but there was a significant difference with PCV, RBC, haemoglobin concentration, age, sleeping in the bush, mosquito bite, level of education and hunting experience of the hunters as regards Plasmodium infection. With the prevalence recorded from this study, there is need for hunters to be educated on the risk of malaria and the need to use insecticide treated nets, repellents and protective clothing during their hunting adventures.