Risk Factors for Leptospirosis in Rural Communities of Bungoma County, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Leptospirosis is an important re-emerging zoonosis of worldwide public health concern. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteriumof the genus Leptospira. There was an outbreak of leptospirosis in humans in Bungoma County in 2004 with severe consequences. Leptospirosis is enzootic in cattle in Bungoma County. Thisstudy was conductedbetween April and July of 2017 to determine the risk factors for leptospirosis in humans in Bungoma County. The risk factors considered in this study were;rainfall patterns, livestock management practices (grazing and watering system), home slaughter of livestock, consumption of un-inspected meat, rodent infestation in homes, and frequency of contact of livestock keepers with veterinary extension staff. A cross-sectional survey was carried out inKimilili and Mt Elgonsub-counties ofBungoma County, Kenya. The locations were then sampled and 400households selected using systematic random sampling technique. Questionnaires were administered to heads of the identified households. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to analyze the data.Secondary data from medical records in Kimilili and Webuye health facilities were used to show the disease trends in the year 2004. The study reveals the risk factors for leptospirosis in Bungoma County which includethe closeassociation of the community and their livestock (87.9%, n=400), rodent infestationin homes(92.3%, n=400), slaughter of animals in non-designated areas (83.8%, n=400), consumption of un-inspected meat (83.0%, n=400) and low contact of the population with veterinary extension staff (63.7%, n=400). The risk factors under consideration in this study were observed in over 80% of the study population. The study recommends that knowledge of leptospirosis and its risk factors be enhanced for effective control and prevention program.