Factors Influencing Hunting And Consumption Of Rodents By Children In The Lassa Fever Endemic Area Of Faranah In Guinea

ABSTRACT Background: Lassa fever (LF) is one of the most threating viral diseases in West-Africa. It is a zoonotic disease which is transmitted to humans by the contact with an infected multimammate mice (Mastomys natalensis) which is known as the main animal reservoir of the disease. The main route of the primary transmission (rodent to human) is the contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Furthermore, human behaviours such as rodents hunting and consumption has been reported as a risk factor of primary transmission of LF in certain endemic countries. The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence rodents hunting and consumption by children in the endemic area of LF of Faranah in Guinea. Methods: a qualitative approach using an ethnographic methods was employed to carry out this study. Participant observations in children’s hunting expeditions and informal discussions with community members were first done, and then ten (10) IDIs with adults and four (4) FGDs with children were also conducted in two (2) of the six (6) villages where LAROCS Project is conducting research on LF in Faranah (Guinea). The data collected was transcribed and coded using QSR NVivo 12 software for thematic analysis. Results: the main factors that influence children to hunt and consume rodents were the scarcity of meat in the family meal, the generational culture, the source of income for children, the non-occupation of children during the dry season, and crop protection in the fields. From the capture of rodents (including M. natalensis) to its preparation for consumption, children undertake all kinds of manipulation, putting them into direct contact with the biological liquids of the animals, and then exposing them to the risk of primary transmission of LASV. Conclusion: it is obvious that children are in direct contact with M. natalensis in these villages through hunting during dry season; therefore, community-based actions considering these rodent hunting motivating factors should be taken and behaviour change communication should be urgently done to stop this practice which constitute a huge risk of a potential outbreak of LF epidemic in these area.