Economic Impact of Lassa Fever on Biological, Environmental and Hygienic Factors in Bauchi State

Idris Babaji Muhammad¹ , Isah Abdullahi² , Adamu Garba Tahiru³ , Ali Musa⁴

Section:Research Paper, Product Type: Journal-Paper
Vol.11 , Issue.2 , pp.47-50, Apr-2024

Online published on Apr 30, 2024

Copyright © Idris Babaji Muhammad, Isah Abdullahi, Adamu Garba Tahiru, Ali Musa . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 

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Abstract :
Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic illness, imposes a considerable economic burden on regions it affects due to its influence on biological, environmental, and hygienic aspects. The economic ramifications of Lassa fever are varied, impacting both individuals and communities. Biologically, the disease can result in severe illness and fatalities, causing reduced productivity and income loss among affected individuals. Additionally, it may lead to long-term health issues, further stressing healthcare systems and escalating healthcare expenditures. Moreover, Lassa fever can disrupt agricultural operations and food production, causing food scarcity and inflated prices. This can trigger a ripple effect on the economy, as food insecurity may lead to malnutrition and decreased productivity. The research investigates the complex economic repercussions of the disease on the afflicted community in Bauchi. The study population comprises the residents of Bauchi state, estimated at 8,308,300 individuals in 2022, with a sample of 400 selected using the Yamane method. The sampling process involved stratification based on senatorial districts, and two Local Governments from each zone were non-probabilistically sampled, with an equal allocation of respondents across the selected frame. Data collection employed a structured and closed-ended questionnaire, which was designed and validated (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.81). The findings emphasize the significant and multifaceted economic impact of Lassa fever on biological, environmental, and hygienic factors. Efforts to prevent and control the disease`s spread are crucial to mitigate its economic consequences and safeguard the health and well-being of affected populations. It is recommended to strengthen public health resources and infrastructure, as controlling the disease outbreak necessitates enhanced surveillance, testing, and treatment. This may result in increased healthcare expenses and diminished productivity as resources are redirected to combat the outbreak.

Key-Words / Index Term :
Lassa Fever, Economic Impact, Biological, Environmental, Hygienic, Factors

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