Author(s) :

Lem's Ndimba Kalemba, Jesse Bonwitt, Jean Mukulire Malekani.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Mpox is an endemic zoonosis in West and Central Africa. Despite significant research efforts, there is still too little information available on the specific interactions that lead to the transmission of the mpox. Qualitative studies therefore make it possible to collect information that could not be obtained by other methods. Thus, we used a qualitative method to determine the hunting techniques that could serve as potential routes of exposure to the Monkeypox virus. Fieldwork was conducted over a period of four months in 2021 (March–April and July–August). Thus, a total of 211 participants were interviewed during 23 semi-structured interviews, 10 focus groups discussions, and 15 days of participatory observations. Present results highlighted that only hunting techniques using dogs, bows with nonpoisonous arrows, nets, capture in holes, and a technique used for catching cricetomas (giant pouched rats) increase the risk of bites and scratches as well as contact with blood and other animal bodily fluids. This could be a potential route of exposure to the Monkeypox virus. Then, this study has provided us with some additional qualitative information that was missing about hunting on a public health point of vue. We therefore hope that our findings will increase the scope of future quantitative research on this topic.

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