The prevalence of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitus) and bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus) in selected human settlement areas in Southwest, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The current study is to evaluate the prevalence and intensity of common ectoparasites (Pediculus humanus capitus (Head lice) and Cimex hemipterus(Bedbugs) in selected areas in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria between July and December, 2008. Five areas in Lagos State, Nigeria (Ojo, Mushin, Ikorodu, Badagry and Ajeromi) were randomly sampled and included in the study for the occurrence of human Head lice and Bed bugs. In each of the 5 locations, 200 randomly selected students participated for lice survey. Similarly, 40 households (HH) in each location participated on the bedbug’s survey. Head lice were collected by examination of hair and then combing hair using diluted Dettol. Bedbugs were handpicked from mattresses, cracks/crevices of walls and furniture. Overall, 88 of the 1000 (8.8%) respondents had lice from 4 of the 5 schools surveyed. Only, Mushin (26) and Ajeromi (23) areas reported the occurrence of bedbugs. Head lice and bed bugs occurred in impoverished sub-urban slum locations. Public health and sanitation situation of slum locations like Mushin and Ajeromi needs to be improved for the effective prevention and control of ectoparasites. Key words: Bed bugs, head lice, Lagos, prevalence.