Prevalence of Vectors of Public Health Importance in Major Dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Vectors are important factors in the transmission of many parasitic diseases. The determination of the prevalence of vectors of public health importance in major dumpsites in Port Harcourt metropolis was investigated. Eight major dumpsites within the metropolis were randomly selected and the study was conducted within August 2018 and June 2019.  Record on age of the dumpsites were obtained from the regulating agency and composition of dumpsites was made by physical observation. The composition of the dumpsites ranged from plastic cans, decomposing food, metals, cartons, bottles, faecal matters to plant materials. Vectors were collected using Sweep nets, sticky traps, water traps and manual hand picking with gloves and forceps. Vectors of public health importance collected from the dumpsites included Chrysomya megacephala (Family: Calliphoridae), Musca domestica (Family: Muscidae), Anopheles spp. (Family: Culicidae) Aedes spp (Family: Culicidae), Periplanata Americana (Family: Culicidae) and Blatta orientalis (Family: Culicidae). Out of the 360 vectors collected, 12.5%, 49.4%, 5.3%, 18.9%, 10.5% and 3.1% were C. megacephala, M. domestica, Anopheles spp, Aedes spp, P. americanus and B. orientalis repectively. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in the prevalence of vectors in relation to the dumpsites investigated. M. domestica was the most prevalent vector. High prevalence of vectors of public health importance was recorded in all the eight dumpsites investigated. Hence, there is a possibility of a potential high risk of transmission of gastrointestinal helminths and malaria among residence within the dumpsites, scavengers and sanitation workers of the waste management agency. Proper waste management strategy, regular fumigation exercise and health education for sanitation workers and scavengers will curb the breeding of vectors.