Dog Bite Cases Research Articles

Epidemiological Profile and Awareness Regarding Animal Bite Management in an Urban Area.

The most common way for people to contract the deadly zoonotic disease rabies is through animal bites. This study was designed because there is a shortage of community-based data to determine the true extent of rabies infection and a lack of understanding regarding patient misconceptions in urban areas. The objective was to determine the scope of the issue and the epidemiological features of animal bite incidents. This was a facility-based cross-sectional study conducted at the field practice area (Urban Health Training Centre) under the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College. The study duration was one year (May 2023 to April 2024). Consecutive patients (accompanied by an attendant) attending the Urban Health Training Centre were included in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used, and around 400 animal bite cases were recorded in one year at the Urban Health Training Centre. Out of 1503 male cases at the Urban Health Training Centre, around 255 were dog bite cases (50.6%), whereas out of 1302 females visiting the Urban Health Training Centre, around 145 were dog bite cases (48%). The majority (35%) belonged to the age group of 11 to 20 years for both males and females. The mean age of the cases was 19.4 ± 3.4 years. The study found a male preponderance (64%), with females constituting 36%. The right lower limb (49.5%), left lower limb (39%), and upper limb were the most frequently bitten sites. Fifty-one percent of the cases fell into Category II. According to local data, the most popular home management practices were ghee oil and cold treatments. Although Category III is the most severe bite, only 35% had taken the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV), and 8.75% had received rabies immunoglobulin. The public and medical community need to be made aware of the importance of wound care and the prudent use of the anti-rabies vaccine.

Rabies Realities: Navigating Barriers to Rabies Control in Rural Zambia-A Case Study of Manyinga and Mwansabombwe Districts.

Rabies persists as a longstanding issue in Zambia, despite being preventable. The current control measures, including dog vaccination, population control, and movement restriction, guided by 'The Control of Dogs Act Chapter 247 of the Laws of Zambia', have not yielded the desired impact in many areas of the country including Manyinga and Mwansabombwe districts. These two districts continue to report low dog vaccination rates, unrestricted dog movements, and escalating cases of animal and human rabies, along with dog bites. Aligned with global aspirations to achieve zero human rabies cases by 2030, this study scrutinizes the determinants and obstacles hampering the execution of rabies control initiatives in Manyinga and Mwansabombwe. Spanning approximately 11 months, this cross-sectional study gathered pre- and post-vaccination data from 301 households in Manyinga and 100 households in Mwansabombwe. Questionnaires probed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to rabies prevention and control. A transect survey, key informant interviews, and assessment of rabies vaccination and dog bite records complemented the data collection. Findings revealed that 88.0% of respondents from both districts possessed knowledge about rabies, confirming affected species and transmission. Moreover, 76.8% in Manyinga and 88.6% in Mwansabombwe were acquainted with rabies prevention and control methods. Concerning dog owners, 89.0% were aware of rabies, 66.0% understood its prevention and control, and the majority identified bites as the primary mode of transmission. Despite the high level of knowledge recorded during the survey, the implementation of preventive measures was low, which was attributed to low levels of law enforcement by the local government authority, inadequate staffing in the veterinary department, unwillingness to pay for dog vaccinations, and unavailability of rabies vaccine at the veterinary office in both districts. Vaccination coverage stood at 64.0% in Manyinga and 21.0% in Mwansabombwe. Notably, education and occupation exhibited a positive significant association with rabies knowledge. In terms of dog bite cases, Manyinga recorded 538 dog bite cases from 2017 to June 2022, while Mwansabombwe recorded 81 dog bite and 23 jackal bite cases from 2021 to June 2022. The study underscores critical knowledge gaps in rural areas and emphasizes the imperative for enhanced public education and awareness programs, improved rabies surveillance, free mass vaccination campaigns, and community engagement to augment vaccination coverage and knowledge about rabies.

Dog bites are increasing in frequency and severity – a sustained effect following the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures have changed various aspects of society, including patterns of human-animal interactions. This audit investigates the incidence and severity of dog bites admitted under the plastic surgery department at a major trauma centre before and after COVID-19 lockdowns. We assessed trends in dog bite cases over the course of one year (2018) prior to the COVID-19 lockdown and one year after (2022). A time period during COVID-19 lockdown itself was not included to avoid confounding factors due to changes in healthcare provision during the pandemic. Our analysis reveals a 47 % increase in dog bites after lockdowns ended compared to before. We also demonstrate statistically significant increases in the need for operative management (90 % of patients compared to 78 %) and length of inpatient hospital stay (average 63 h compared to 51). Moreover we show that dog bites have increased in severity, with a clear increase in patients presenting with deeper tissue injuries, tissue loss and muscle, nerve, vascular or bone involvement. This represents a significant functional, cosmetic and psychological impact for patients as well as financial impact on the NHS and increased workload for plastic surgery departments. This is the first paper to examine the severity of dog bite injuries and to demonstrate a sustained effect even after the easing of lockdown measures. Our findings shed light on the potential impact of lockdown measures on human-dog interactions and highlight the importance of public awareness and prevention strategies in mitigating dog bites. Lay summaryOur study demonstrates that dog bite injuries increased in frequency by 47 % following COVID-19 lockdowns. Patients with dog bites are also being admitted for longer than before, requiring more operations and have more severe injuries, with some requiring skin grafting, nerve repair or more complex plastic surgery reconstruction.

PROGRESSIVE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE ELIMINATION OF RABIES AMONG THE STRAY DOG (CANIS FAMILIARIS) POPULATION IN PAKISTAN

Stray dogs are integrally linked with rabies transmission, and a sizeable unmanaged dog population hinders rabies control program planners. Dog population management (DPM) is one of the best strategies to control rabies transmission, improve health management, and lower the population size of stray dogs. The threat of rabies is very serious due to free-roaming dogs. Foxes, skunks, groundhogs, raccoons, and house bats are rabies vector species and can carry rabies virus without showing any symptoms. Rabies is a life-threatening disease that affects thousands of losses worldwide every year. World Rabies Day is an international awareness campaign coordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). In Pakistan, there are reportedly 3 million stray dogs. More than one million dog bite cases are reported annually throughout Pakistan. About 600 dog bite cases are reported daily in the Sindh province, Pakistan. Due to an uncontrolled number of stray dogs, many serious problems arise related to public health, socio-economic, and political issues. The Animal Act of 1890 provides a specific defense against cruelty and establishes its importance in Pakistani culture. Developing long-term and supportable strategies is imperative to overcome the stray animal population worldwide. To overcome the rabies issue in Pakistan, the government should implement projects on breeding control of stray dogs through spaying and neutering surgeries. The government should also provide proper shelters for dogs and rabies vaccines. There is a need to be aware of basic preventive measures such as disinfectants and rabies vaccination. Public awareness, rabies vaccination, and dog sterilization at the national level are crucial factors in preventing rabies and managing the dog population in Pakistan.

An assessment of the operationality and factors influencing the effectiveness of rabies surveillance in Gombe State, Nigeria.

Rabies remains a burden in Africa, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable despite the availability of effective vaccines. Nigeria, the most populous African country, needs rapid disease control actions and commitments to achieve the goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Surveillance is an essential element of effective disease control strategies. This study examined the current state of operationality of the rabies surveillance system for early case detection and management in Gombe state, Nigeria, through a One Health lens. It further examined the barriers impeding the effectiveness of the surveillance based on the perception of surveillance workers. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess the structure of the system and its functioning. Data on dog bite and rabid cases obtained from the veterinary services in Gombe state were analysed descriptively. A total of 13 key informants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis to explore in depth the factors that influenced the operationality of the system. A total of 157 potential human exposures to rabies were identified in this study, out of which two people reportedly died at the health facility after showing symptoms highly suggestive of rabies. In terms of rabies surveillance and control, cross-sectoral collaboration was found between the human health and veterinary sectors for risk assessment of potential rabies exposures and its management. Some identified factors affecting the operations of the surveillance were inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, lack of feedback from higher authorities and insufficient knowledge of rabies prevention and management. To improve the capacity for case detection and management within the state, the appropriate authorities may focus on increasing awareness about the disease to the populace to increase the number of cases identified by the system, employ more workers and strengthen the surveillance capability of existing workers.

Profile and Geospatial Analysis of Dog Bite Cases Attending the Antirabies Vaccine Outpatient Department at the Tertiary Level Hospital of Mumbai.

Dog bites pose a significant public health concern in India, necessitating an understanding of their epidemiological profile and spatial distribution. Adopting the One Health approach, which considers the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for developing effective interventions. The study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and geospatial trends of dog bite cases in an urban area, focusing on the age and gender distribution of victims, severity of bites, and spatial distribution of cases to inform prevention strategies. A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted on dog bite cases reported in 2022 at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. The epidemiological profile, including age, gender, and severity of bites, was examined. Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was utilized for spatial distribution analysis, identifying hotspots within the urban area. Of the 3350 cases, 70.7% were below 40 years old, 81.6% were male, and 78.18% had Category III bites indicating severe injuries. Most cases (74%) were caused by stray dogs. QGIS analysis revealed five hotspots within the urban area. The study highlights the predominance of dog bites among younger males and the severity of injuries. Spatial analysis identified specific hotspots, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Implementing a comprehensive surveillance system incorporating GIS technology and adopting a One Health approach can enhance the control and prevention of dog bite cases and reduce the risk of rabies outbreaks.

Influence of season and photoperiod in severe dog attack cases on humans in a Mediterranean climate region

Influence of season and photoperiod in severe dog attack cases on humans in a Mediterranean climate region

PREVALENCE OF DOG BITE CASES IN HUMANS AND VACCINATION COVERAGE AGAINST RABIES IN SELECTED PARTS OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Aim: Lagos State has a long history of rabies control efforts. However, the success of such efforts and the goal to eliminate rabies is yet to be realized. This study was carried out to evaluate dog bite cases in humans presented to the Lagos State Teaching Hospital Ikeja and to evaluate anti-rabies vaccination coverage in dogs presented for dog consultation at the State Animal Hospital Agege and a private Veterinary Clinic Ikeja between the years of 2012 to 2018. Methods: Factors such as age, sex and season of dog bites in humans as well as the age and sex of dogs presented for anti-rabies vaccination were obtained for the years under review. Also, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to assess knowledge on rabies and factors affecting routine anti-rabies dog vaccination amongst consenting residents and dog owners of selected households in Ikeja and Agege Local Government Areas of Lagos state. Results: From the retrospective data on dog bites in humans, a total of 347 dog bites was reported with 59.7% (207) occurring in females and 40.3% (140) in males, all of whom were adults aged between 25 to 40 years. Seasonal distribution of bites indicates a higher frequency in the months of April, July and October. A total of 300 (13.2%) dogs were vaccinated out of 2,275 cases presented to the State Animal Hospital Agege, 48% (144) of which were females and 52% (156) males. 62.7% (188) of the dogs were aged between 3 to 12 months, 23.3% (70) aged between 12 to 36 months and 14% (42) aged above 36 months. A total of 295 (28.1%) dogs were vaccinated out of the 1,048 cases presented to the private Veterinary Clinic at Ikeja. On the cross-sectional study, 422 consenting households were issued a questionnaire across the two local government areas. Overall, 330 (78.2%) had satisfactory knowledge on rabies, while 92 (21.8%) had a non-satisfactory knowledge on rabies, 287 (68%) knew what to do when bitten by a dog while 135 (32%) gave a non-satisfactory response, 302 (71.6%) had reasonable response to perceived threats of rabies whereas 120 (28.4%) respondents were not quite knowledgeable on the perceived threats of rabies. Factors affecting routine anti-rabies vaccination in dogs such as breed, cost, distance and ease of handling were assessed among 196 dog owners out of the 422 selected households, with no statistical significance as factors associated with or affecting dog rabies vaccination coverage. Conclusions: The result of this study indicates that dog bite as a threat to spread of rabies is still a menace and anti-rabies vaccination coverage of dogs falls below the recommended standard by the World Health Organization despite various existing control programs. Despite majority of respondents having satisfactory knowledge on rabies, their attitudes towards rabies prevention were inadequate.

Sociodemographic Profile of Animal Bite Cases Attending at a Tertiary Care Center, Rewa (M.P.)

Abstract Objective: The study’s objectives were to learn about the sociodemographic profile of animal bite cases in Madhya Pradesh’s Vindhya region while attending the Medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) at Shyam Shah Medical College in Rewa (M. P.). Materials and Methods: Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018, this study was conducted in the Medicine OPD, Department of Medicine, at Shyam Shah Medical College in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 1440 cases of animal bites were included in the sample, and for each patient, a sociodemographic profile was obtained along with a comprehensive history of the animal’s category and type, bite type and site, duration of exposure, and category of exposure. Results: The majority of the 1440 animal bite cases were bitten by dogs 1198 (76.94%). There are 763 (52.98%) Category II bites, 605 (42.01%) Category III bites, and 72 (5%) Category I bite. Lower limbs were bitten 914 (63.47%), upper limbs 389 (27.01%), head and neck 67 (4.65%), and trunk 70 (4.86%). Conclusion: This study found that rural areas have a high number of dog bite cases, and adult males have a higher incidence of animal bites than adult females. The most common biting animal is the dog, and the most common site of bite in adults is the lower limbs.

A review of human dog-bite injuries in Kitui South subcounty, Kenya (2017-2021).

Dog bites continue to be a serious public health issue due to their association with the transmission of rabies virus. In Kenya, there are no studies estimating dog-bite incidence. Annual mortalities resulting from dog-mediated rabies are estimated at 523 (95% confidence interval 134-1100). The main objective of this study was to assess major risk factors associated with dog bites in Kitui South subcounty, Kenya, between 2017 and 2021. We recruited 387 dog-bite patients (cases) and 387 non-bite patients (controls) for the case-control study from the Mutomo Mission Hospital and the Ikutha Level 4 Hospital records. Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between risk factors and dog-bite cases. In the final model, pairwise interactions among variables were evaluated. The model fit was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve. The study found that the dog-bite incidence was highest in Kanziko ward in Kitui South subcounty. Fifty-one percent (108 bites) of dog-bite victims were children under 15 years of age, with 53% (N = 68) being men and 36% (N = 77) being bitten on the limbs. Dog bites mostly (44%, N = 93) occurred between October and December (short rainy season). Age group and season were identified as the most significant variables for high dog-bite incidence in Kitui South subcounty. Promotion of responsible dog ownership and reinforcement of dog control policies may prove more effective in reducing dog-bite injuries in Kitui South subcounty.

Rabies and its prevention: are our medical students well informed?

Background: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, viral disease. However, once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal. Significantly, India accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths. Recently, in Kerala, a surge in dog bite cases and a consequent rise in the incidence of rabies deaths has been noted, which is a serious public health medical concern. The present study was done to assess the level of knowledge of rabies and its prevention among medical students of Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha to identify lacunae in knowledge if any and to provide sessions on rabies prevention and control. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the medical students of Government T. D. Medical College, Alappuzha in 2022. Convenient sampling was done, and data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire which was analysed using SPSS software. Results: Out of the 261 students who took part in the study, 88.13% of the study participants were observed to have medium to sufficient level of knowledge regarding rabies and its prevention, while 11.87% had low level of knowledge. In general, the level of knowledge was noted to be roughly proportional to the year of study of MBBS. Conclusions: The level of knowledge of the participants with regards to the schedule of vaccination and knowledge of symptoms of rabies, was observed to be less than what would be desirable. Structured training and education of medical students can rectify this lacuna, and thereby bring about significant reduction in fatality rates.

An Analysis of Dog and Cat Bite Cases Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Bursa

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of dog and cat bite cases in Bursa, Turkey through 2018–2022.
 Materials and Methods: A retrospective patient review was carried out. This study was conducted in the department of the Emergency Medicine of Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey. The injury patterns and epidemiologic data of the patients were evaluated. A total of 92 animal bite cases were reviewed.
 Results and Conclusion: This study was enrolled 49 men (53.3%) and 43 women (46.7%) with an average age of 37.09± 16.65 years. None of them died as a consequence of animal bite. The findings indicate that a significant correlation was found between the site of injury, the type of wound, antibiotic use, and the species of the biting animals [(p=0.001), (p

Epidemiological pattern and management of dog bite injuries in Karachi, Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDog bite injuries are a common problem globally; however, little is known about the epidemiology of dog bite injury from a low-and-middle-income country like Pakistan. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of dog bite injuries among children and adults from a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on dog bite patients visiting the emergency department from November 2015 to August 2016 of a major public tertiary care hospital. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire on demographic details, bite history, and management of dog bite victims. Descriptive analysis was reported. Chi-square test was applied to check the associations between age-specific dog bite cases and independent variables. Results2178 participants were included in the analysis. 715 (38.8%) were children less than 18 years old, and 1463 (61.2%) were adults over 18 years. A majority of the patients were males (1909, 87.7%). Results show that most dog bite injuries (2052, 94.2%) tend to occur outside the house by stray dogs biting without provocation. People aged 18 years and above (61.2%) and males (children: 84.6%, adults: 89.1%) tend to be bitten more often. Lower limbs are most frequently bitten (children: 69.5%, adults: 85.8%). Free-roaming stray dogs (children: 73.4%, adults: 74.9%) were involved in reported biting cases. Many of the patients did not receive appropriate first aid and instead just washed the wound with soap and water (children: 45.1%, adults: 43.7%). 99% of the victims received Tetanus toxoid, Rabies vaccine, and immunoglobulins while in the emergency department. ConclusionThere is a high burden of dog bite injuries from stray dogs in Karachi, Pakistan. Efforts should be made to create awareness among the general public on the risks of dog bites and on seeking appropriate first aid and medical attention for a dog bite injury.

Real-Time Surveillance of Dog Bite Incidence in Islamabad: A Cross-Sectional Study from December 2019 to July 2020

Rabies is a neglected viral zoonotic disease with an almost 100% fatality rate. A pilot project was initiated by the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, in collaboration with Health Security Partners (HSP) to establish a real-time dog bite surveillance in humans in public sector secondary care hospitals of Islamabad. The main objective of this study was to analyze different characteristics of dog bite cases, identify gaps in surveillance, and recommend suggestions to improve and strengthen real-time dog bite surveillance systems. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in two major public sector hospitals in Islamabad from December 2019 to July 2020. Data on demographic information, site of the dog bite, category of the dog bite, and treatment was collected via a WVS mobile-based application. Descriptive analysis was carried out for different variables at a p-value of <0.05. A total of 338 dog bite cases were captured in the World Veterinary Service (WVS) application, and most cases (n = 226, 85.6%) were reported in December 2019 with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Most cases were reported from the age group of 22 to 31 years (n = 178, 53%). Out of the total number of cases, 263 (78%) presented with a single anatomical location, and 174 (51%) had Category II wounds. All dog bite patients were given only the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine at the hospital level. Real-time dog bite surveillance via a mobile-based application proved to be effective for the timely recording and management of dog bite cases. Young people were reported to be mostly affected by dog bites, and nearly half of the cases were managed in hospitals. Refresher training was conducted for medics and paramedics for mobile-based applications, dog bite management, and proper referral of cases to tertiary care hospitals.

Domiciliary Practices and Health Seeking Behaviour Among Dog Bite Cases in Patients Attending a Rural Health Training Centre

Domiciliary Practices and Health Seeking Behaviour Among Dog Bite Cases in Patients Attending a Rural Health Training Centre

Epidemiological characteristics, seasonality, trends of dog bite injuries, and relationship with meteorological data.

Animal bites are among the most critical in public health problems. Dogs are the leading cause of bite injuries. The study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of dog bite cases admitted to an emergency department, as well as their temporal trends, seasonality, and tr relationship with meteorological data. Study data comprised eight years (2012-2019) emergency room records of a tertiary center. Demographic characteristics of the cases, bite anatomical area, treatment applied, hospitalization, and death rates were determined. The incidence rates and distribution of meteorological data by years were examined using ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests. Seasonality and temporal trends were investigated for incidence rates using the additive decomposition technique. The temporal relationship of incidence rates with meteorological data was evaluated using the Autoregressive Distributed Delayed Boundary Test. Causality verification was perfoirmed using the Granger test. Dog bite cases consisted of 1,335 records of partients with a mean age of 26.6±0.2 years. Bite cases were most common in the 20-44 age group (44.7%), males (76.4%), and lower extremities (48.2%). The frequency of hospitalization was 4.1%. Annual incidence rates ranged from 52.7-49.9/100,000, with a non-significant increasing trend. The incidence of bites had two peaks, in June and August. A co-integration relationship was observed between incidence rates and air temperature and humidity levels (p<0.001). Effective implementation of prevention programmes is needed for high-risk demographic groups. In addition, a national monitoring and reporting system could evaluate the effectiveness of any prevention programme and reduce the incedence of dog bites.

Dog demography, rabies awareness and dog bite cases in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that affects humans and animals and dogs are the primary source of infection. Information on domestic dog populations is vitally important for rabies control. The present study is to assess the demography of dogs, the incidence of dog bites, and the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the communities concerning rabies in Bishoftu town. Cross-sectional household surveys were conducted from April to June 2021 involving a questionnaire survey and collection of retrospective patient records from healthcare facilities. A total of 244 respondents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire format to determine their KAP about rabies and dog ownership. Data on the incidence of dog bites and suspected cases of rabies from November 2019 to June 2021 were retrieved from the records of four health centers in Bishoftu town. In interviewed households (HH) 51.2 % owned at least one dog with a dog: human ratio of 1:9 and 1.54 dogs/household. In the participating households, 71% of dogs had been vaccinated against rabies. Almost all, 99% of the respondents had heard of rabies and identified the mode of transmission of rabies. However, 61.8%, had a moderate level of knowledge and 59.8% had an intermediate level of attitude, and 64.3% satisfactory level of appropriate rabies prevention practices score. There was a statistically significant association between knowledge score and age, occupation, and source of information as well as attitude score with age and source of information (p&lt;0.05). Respondents who attend higher education were more likely to have higher practice scores in the prevention of rabies (p &lt;0.05). There were significant correlations among the participant’s knowledge, attitude, and practice (p&lt;0.01). A total of 612 victims were registered and received the post-exposure vaccine in Bishoftu over two years (2019 to 2021). We identified critical knowledge gaps related to factors influencing rabies prevention and control. The veterinary and public health sectors should play an important role in educating and raising community awareness. Moreover, the production and use of the banned nerve tissue vaccine in the public health sector in Ethiopia need attention.

Modelling modifiable factors associated with the probability of human rabies deaths among self-reported victims of dog bites in Abuja, Nigeria.

Canine-mediated rabies kills tens of thousands of people annually in lesser-developed communities of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, primarily through bites from infected dogs. Multiple rabies outbreaks have been associated with human deaths in Nigeria. However, the lack of quality data on human rabies hinders advocacy and resource allocation for effective prevention and control. We obtained 20 years of dog bite surveillance data across 19 major hospitals in Abuja, incorporating modifiable and environmental covariates. To overcome the challenge of missing information, we used a Bayesian approach with expert-solicited prior information to jointly model missing covariate data and the additive effects of the covariates on the predicted probability of human death after rabies virus exposure. Only 1155 cases of dog bites were recorded throughout the study period, out of which 4.2% (N = 49) died of rabies. The odds for risk of human death were predicted to decrease among individuals who were bitten by owned dogs compared to those bitten by free-roaming dogs. Similarly, there was a predicted decrease in the probability of human death among victims bitten by vaccinated dogs compared to those bitten by unvaccinated dogs. The odds for the risk of human death after bitten individuals received rabies prophylaxis were predicted to decrease compared to no prophylaxis. We demonstrate the practical application of a regularised Bayesian approach to model sparse dog bite surveillance data to uncover risk factors for human rabies, with broader applications in other endemic rabies settings with similar profiles. The low reporting observed in this study underscores the need for community engagement and investment in surveillance to increase data availability. Better data on bite cases will help to estimate the burden of rabies in Nigeria and would be important to plan effective prevention and control of this disease.

Analysis of dog bite surveillance data, Volta Region, Ghana, 2020

IntroductionDog bite is the second most common injury sustained by humans after snake bites, and it is amongst the top 12 causes of non-fatal injuries worldwide. Globally, 59,000 human deaths occur annually due to rabies, and 95% of these deaths occur in Asia and Africa. Dog bites remained a public health concern in Ghana, with three out of every 1000 incidence resulting in human rabies. Analysis of the surveillance data is key in understanding the burden of dog bites in the Volta region. This study describes the epidemiology of dog bites in the Volta Region, Ghana, to inform policy on prevention and control.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive analysis of secondary data on dog bites. We obtained aggregate data from 2015 to 2019 from the District Health Management Information System (DHMIS). Variables extracted were gender, age, and location. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel cleaned, reviewed, and analyzed. We used descriptive statistics to summarize results into frequency and proportion and displayed results in tables, graphs, and maps.ResultsDuring the study period, 4737 dog bite cases were identified from a population of 1,907,529 (incidence of 248 per 100,000). Twelve (0.25%) humans were confirmed for rabies with a 100% case fatality rate. Males accounted for 2455 (51.8%) of dog bite cases. The age group between 10 and 19 years (21.9%) was most affected. About 35.0% (1640/4737) were administered with the anti-rabies vaccine, and 25.3% (1200/4737) were administered anti-tetanus toxoid. Keta district (550 per 100000) reported the highest incidence of dog bites. Dog bite cases were highest in the third and fourth quarters of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017.ConclusionThe incidence of dog bites and rabies was high in the Volta region. Children and adolescents were mostly affected. There was a low coverage rate of anti-rabies vaccine and anti-tetanus toxoids usage. We recommended that the Regional Health Directorates and the Regional Veterinary Department develop robust strategies to control stray or free-roaming dogs in the Volta region.

A STUDY ON AWARENESS ATTITUDE &amp; PRACTICE REGARDING RABIES AMONG GENERALAND SLUM POPULATION IN KOLKATA

Introduction: Rabies is such a disease, which is nearly 100% preventable, but once rabies develops, it would denitely lead to highly painful death, even in this era of medical marvel. India is the second largest contributor to Rabies mortality in the world. According to a recent report of World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 55,000 human deaths are reported every year worldwide due to rabies, with an overwhelming majority of 32,000 cases reported in Asia of which 20,000 occur in India. Aims: To know the general awareness about the rabies in general population and to identify the level of general awareness and knowledge of wound management among the cases of dog or animal bite. Material and Method: The study was observational, questionnaire-based study between 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019. For the purpose of this thesis, a descriptive correlational analytical survey was used, in which a qualitative approach was undertaken to determine the answers of mentioned research questions. After collection of the available data, it was analysed in Medical College, Kolkata. 150 patients were included in this study Result: We found that 77(51.3%) patients answered that bite from an infected animal people and animals can get rabies, 46(30.7%) patients answered that several sorts of contact with an infected animal (e.g. bite, lick, scratch) people and animals can get rabies and 27(18.0%) patients had don't know how can people and animals get rabies. It was found that 113(75.3%) patients had answered that the person who is infected with rabies gets crazy/mad/dangerous, 10(6.7%) patients had answered that the person who is infected with rabies of some can get better/get treatment/do not die and 27(18.0%) patients do not know. Proportion of upper class patients was signicantly higher than others. It was found that 60(40.0%) patients had answered rabies treatable, 63(42.0%) patients had answered no and 27(18.0%) patients had answered do not know. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude and practices with respect to prevention and treatment of rabies were found adequate amongst the urban population. Thus, community-based health education may be increased in these areas to create awareness regarding rabies.