Investigating Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus seropositivity in camels and human behavioural risks in an abattoir in Nigeria

Andrew Musa Adamu, Anyebe Bernard Onoja, Victoria Ehinor Ugbodu, Reuben Sylvester Bala, Meshach Maina, Usman Shehu Salisu, Shedrach Benjamin Pewan, Emmanuel David, Arhyel Malgwi, Cornelius Adamu, Abdulrahman Adeiza, Megan Herbert, Paul Horwood, Oyelola Adegboye

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2 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging viral pathogen with pandemic potential that is often misdiagnosed. Case fatality in low-resource settings could be up to 40% due to close contact between animals and humans. A two-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Fagge abattoir, Kano State, Nigeria, to estimate the seropositivity of CCHFV in camels using a commercial multi-species competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to the abattoir workers to assess their awareness, mitigation, and behavioural practices associated with CCHF. Of the 184 camels tested, 179 (97%) were seropositive for CCHFV (95% confidence interval (CI): 93.77, 99.11). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of respondents was 41 (35-52), with 62% having no education. Respondents had little knowledge about CCHFV and the concept of zoonotic disease. In this study, the high estimated prevalence of antibodies to CCHFV in camels highlights the heightened risk of transmission of CCHFV in Nigeria. Similarly, a concerning lack of knowledge and inadequate preventive practices, alongside a prevalence of high-risk behaviours associated with CCHF among abattoir workers, were noted in this study. Thus, there is an urgent need for comprehensive public health education and collaborative One Health strategies to avert the threats of spillover events.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere29
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalEpidemiology and Infection
Volume152
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2024

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Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press.

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