Human Exposure to Bats, Rodents and Monkeys in Bangladesh
Authors: Ireen Sultana Shanta, Stephen P. Luby, Kamal Hossain, James D. Heffelfinger, A. Marm Kilpatrick, Najmul Haider, Taifur Rahman, Shovon Chakma, Syed Sayeem Uddin Ahmed, Yushuf Sharker, Juliet R. C. Pulliam, Erin D. Kennedy, Emily S. Gurley
Year: 2023
Journal: EcoHealth
DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01628-9
Summary
The paper describes the frequency of human exposure to bats, rodents, and monkeys in Bangladesh and identifies geographic and seasonal variations. The study was conducted in a nationally representative sample of households from 1001 communities between 2013-2016.
Key Findings
- Rodents were observed by 90% of respondents, bats by 52%, and monkeys by 2% in or around households.
- Monkeys were reported more often around the household in Sylhet division (7%) compared to other divisions.
- Households in Khulna (17%) and Rajshahi (13%) were more likely to report drinking date palm sap than in other divisions (1.5–5.6%).
- Date palm sap was mostly consumed during winter with higher frequencies in January (16%) and February (12%) than in other months (0–5.6%).
- There was a decreasing trend in drinking sap over the three years.
Methodology
- Study Type: Cross-sectional survey
- Sample Size: 10,002 households from 1001 randomly selected communities
- Geographic Focus: Bangladesh
- Time Period: 2013–2016
Topics
Epidemiology, Clinical, Virology, Policy, Ecology
Relevance
The findings could facilitate targeting emerging zoonoses surveillance, research and prevention efforts to areas and seasons with the highest levels of exposure.
Source
View the entire paper: File:10393 2023 Article 1628.pdf