Questionnaire-based Risk Assessment of Exposure to Ticks - and Arthropods - bites among Hunters in Ogun State, Nigeria

Hunting profession as an outdoor activity has been done over the years with the attendant risk of exposure to various hazardsamong which is the acquisition of diseases through arthropod bites. The effect of these biting and stinging vectors cannot beoveremphasised considering the results in terms of diseases and risk they pose to hunters. The need for the knowledgeassessment of these hunters – an at-risk population is required to help in proper health education for possible control andreduction of risks. A Questionnaire-based risk assessment study was carried out among hunters in Ogun state, Nigeria todetermine their exposures to tick and other arthropod bites while hunting. Two hundred and fifty-eight hunters wereinterviewed 255 (99.0%) male and 3 (1.0%) females on their experiences and practise while hunting. Out of the studypopulation 96.0% reported having been bitten by arthropods during hunting. The arthropods mentioned were mosquitoes(Culicidae) (75%), Ticks (Acarina) (56%), Tsetse flies (Glossina) (40%), Blackflies (Simulium) (30%), Culicoides (Bitingmidges) (21%), Bees (Aphis) (18%), and Wasps (Vespula vulgaris) (14%). Sleeping overnight in the bush withoutappropriate shelter was a risk factor associated with a bite in 175 (68%) of respondents. Furthermore, owning hunting dogs,(<0.001); the presence of tick on hunting dogs (<0.001) and on hunted games (0.004) were also mentioned as possible riskfactor to bites. Hunters used local herbs as preventive measures against tick and other arthropods bites. This study confirmedthat hunters are exposed to tick-and other arthropod bites, which could result in tick- and arthropod-borne infections. There isneed to educate hunters on how to prevent tick and arthropod bites while on hunting expedition and further studies arerequired to assess the status of the hunters for possible arthropod- and/or tick-borne diseases.