CURRENCY NOTES AND ASSOCIATED RISK OF NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES: STUDY ON THE NIGERIAN NAIRA

Currency notes could play a role in the transmission of faeco-oral pathogens. This study aimed at identifying the possible role of the Nigerian Naira in the transmission of some neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the implication on their intervention and control in Nigeria. Method: 250 samples of all denominations of mint, dirty and mutilated Naira notes were examined for presence of parasites using the rinse method. Result: 58.4% of notes were contaminated with 161 cysts and ova of a protozoan (45.3%) and helminths (54.7%): Entamoeba histolytica cysts (43.7%), Enterobius vermicularis ova (5.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides ova (34.7%) and Hookworm ova (12.6%). Parasite contamination was independent of currency denomination (X2 =45.4; P=0.05). Mutilated notes harboured more parasites (51.5%) than dirty notes (44.9%). Mint notes had zero contamination. This was statistically significant (X2 =5.6; P<0.05). Polymer notes were more contaminated (51.37%) than paper notes. This study has identified a public health risk and the potential role of the Naira notes in the epidemiology of some NTDs in the study area. Public education on the health implications of the abuse of the Naira, beyond reasons of patriotism is required now. The Central Bank should ensure quick withdrawal of mutilated notes from circulation.