Health implications of patronage of open markets: A survey of Shasha market, Oba-ile, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Most often, patronage of open markets attracts huge populations buyers in Nigeria. These are numerous each state the country but largely share similar characteristics poor hygiene and sanitation. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was conducted at Shasha market, Oba-Ile, Akure to assess health implication markets, an emerging public concern. Air, water selected food samples were taken for microbial analysis while soil from different spots faecal residents market community also parasitology. The respective tests followed standard procedures determine coliform count parasitic fauna collected samples. Out 73 that examined, 69 (94.52%) positive. Hookworm ova had highest occurrence (40%) by Strongyloides. stercoralis Ascaris lumbricoides which 33 27% respectively. result revealed 95.83% contaminated with helminth eggs larvae including lumbricoides, Strongyloides Hookworm. Bacteria fungi species found air, include Staphylococcus aureus, Entamoeba. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium digitatum Aspergillus niger. environment highly various stages pathogenic organisms importance this predisposes sellers communicable diseases. requires urgent attention concerned government authority its management Key words: impact assessment, patronage, pathogens.