Paragonimiasis Reemergence in Nigeria: Predisposing Factors and Recommendations for Early Intervention and Everlasting Eradication

Effective paragonimiasis eradication programme in Nigeria eradicated the once endemic disease and no case was reported from 1980 to 2007. The first reported reemergence case was in 2007 and five more cases till January 2011 when this study was undertaken. This study is to determine the pre-disposing factors for the reemergence. The factors will help plan a sustainable long lasting and hopefully everlasting eradication programme. 2760 households from the identified twelve villages with the endemic disease were systematically selected. Pretested questionnaires were interviewer administered to the head of each of the selected household. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The pre-disposing factors that precipitated the reemergence of the disease included low level of awareness of the disease by the entire populace including the health workers. This included the causative agent, the mode of transmission, and control; conservative cultural habits of preparing crab meal; eating improperly cooked crab and also insanitary disposal of faeces and sputum. A holistic eradication programme should be planned to have sustained activities that will usher in everlasting disease-free area. The programme should involve all people, policy makers, health workers, and the entire populace, taking care of peculiarities of the peoples habits.