Assessing the Population at Risk of Lassa fever in a High-Endemicity Zone: A Community-Based Case Study of Largo Town, Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone.

Fassie Manju , Mahamud Feika , Mohamed Harding , 4. Aiah Joshua Teh , Alhaji O. Turay

Keywords: Lassa Fever, High-Endemicity, Risk Assessment, Largo Town, Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone, Rodent Control, Health Education, Preventive Measures.

Abstract Lassa fever (LF) presents a persistent public health burden in West Africa, with Sierra Leone’s Kenema District being a recognized epicenter. However, fine-scale, community-level understandings of the factors driving transmission risk within such high-endemicity zones remain critical for effective intervention. This community-based case study assessed the population at risk of LF in Largo Town, Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and environmental observations. Quantitative data captured demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), while qualitative insights explored perceived risks, socio-cultural norms, and local narratives surrounding the disease. The findings reveal a population with high general awareness of LF but persistent gaps in precise knowledge of transmission routes, particularly regarding rodent reservoir contact and person-to-person spread. Risky practices, including rodent hunting and consumption, unsafe food storage, and delayed healthcare-seeking, were commonly reported and shaped by socio-economic constraints and cultural beliefs. Environmental assessment confirmed widespread conditions conducive to the proliferation of the rodent vector, Mastomys natalensis, in and around human dwellings. The study identifies a confluence of behavioral, environmental, and structural factors—including poverty, limited alternative protein sources, and housing infrastructure—that collectively heighten exposure risk. This research concludes that within a high-endemicity zone, hyper-local risk is heterogeneous and deeply embedded in the community’s socio-ecological context. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond generic awareness campaigns to develop targeted, community-co-designed interventions that address the specific practices, perceptions, and vulnerabilities identified. The findings advocate for an integrated One Health approach, combining improved rodent control, strengthened healthcare access, and sustainable livelihood strategies to effectively reduce the LF risk burden in Largo Town and similar settings.

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"Assessing the Population at Risk of Lassa fever in a High-Endemicity Zone: A Community-Based Case Study of Largo Town, Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone.", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no.b610-b628, January-2026, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2601177.pdf

Volume 11 Issue 1, January-2026

Pages : b610-b628

Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_306790

Published Paper Id: IJSDR2601177

Downloads: 000227

Research Area: Social Science All

Country: Bo, Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone

Published Paper PDF: https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2601177

Published Paper URL: https://ijsdr.org/viewpaperforall?paper=IJSDR2601177

ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016

An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator

Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave

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