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.
