Citation

Frey J, Mindekem R, Kessely H, Doumagoum Moto D, Naïssengar S, Zinsstag J, Schelling E. Trop. Med. Int. Health 2013; 18(12): 1555-1562.

Affiliation

Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/tmi.12202

PMID

24118491

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the annual human rabies incidence as a baseline prior to mass dog vaccination campaigns in N'Djaména, Chad. METHODS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Language: en