Survey of animal bite injuries and their management for an estimate of human rabies deaths in N'Djaména, Chad. Issue 12 (9th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frey, J.; Mindekem, R.; Kessely, H.; Doumagoum Moto, D.; Naïssengar, S.; Zinsstag, J.; Schelling, E.
• Is Part Of: Tropical medicine & international health. Volume 18:Issue 12(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1555
• Page End: 1562
• Publication Date: 2013-10-09
• Subjects: Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 616.988
• DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="tmi12202-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="tmi12202-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To estimate the annual human rabies incidence as a baseline prior to mass dog vaccination campaigns in N'Djaména, Chad.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12202-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Survey of animal bites, involving 50% of all healthcare providers in N'Djaména, from September 2008 to April 2009. Of 86 people exposed to a suspected rabid animal, 50% received post‐exposure vaccination and a further 8% had their wound cleaned. We estimated annual incidence of bites from suspected rabid animals of 12.9/100 000 and an incidence of 0.7 human rabies deaths/100 000, resulting in 7 estimated deaths (95% confidence interval 4–10 deaths) per year in N'Djaména. 14% of bite victims sought help from veterinarians.</p> </sec> <sec id="tmi12202-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Closer cooperation between physicians and veterinarians warrants more effective rabies control. The high proportion (42%) of potentially exposed people without post‐exposure vaccination or wound treatment necessitates urgent attention.</p> </sec> </abstract>