Temporal and spatial distributions of animal and human rabies cases during 2012 and 2018, in Tunisia

Kalthoum, Sana; Kaouther, None Guesmi,; Gharbi, Raja; Baccar, Mohamed Naceur; Seghaier, Chedia; Zrelli, Malek; Bahloul, Chokri

doi:10.1002/vms3.438

Cited by 10 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…The findings were similar to that of the study carried out elsewhere in Oman [12]. Although different regions have different temporal patterns of the rabies outbreak, several published reports confirmed the notion that there is a temporal effect on the occurrences of rabies outbreaks [18,25,26]. In addition, the understanding of demographic composition of free-roaming dogs is crucial for implementing effective interventions against rabies [27,28].…”

Section: Temporal Patternsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…According to the authorities, no wildlife rabies cases including rodents have been confirmed in Nepal. However, there are few confirmed cases in mongoose, elephants, jackals and foxes; a limited number of cases in elephants, might be due to spillover infections [18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several reports describe the rabies occurrence associated with the dog's breeding season [23][24][25] and wildlife animals [26]. The natural breeding of dogs increases the chances of physical contact leading to fighting among dogs increases the chances of virus transmission [18,21]. The incidence was higher in spring season than in other seasons of the year.…”

Section: Temporal Patternmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

et al. 2021

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Background and Aim: Animal rabies is endemic in Nepal, and it occurs in two forms. Although governmental and non-governmental agencies are working toward the control of rabies by mass dog vaccination and stray dog population management, there is still massive number of rabies incidence reported to the reference veterinary laboratory, Nepal. Therefore, this study aimed to assess animal species, temporal, regional, and agro-ecological distribution patterns of animal rabies in Nepal from 2005 to 2017. Materials and Methods: The epidemiological data on animal rabies from the period of 2005 to 2017 were obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. The laboratory-confirmed rabies cases were analyzed according to animal species, temporal, regional (developmental zones), and agro-ecological distributions. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the distribution patterns of rabies. Results: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 2771 suspected rabies cases in animals were reported to The Central Veterinary Hospital, Kathmandu. Of which, 1302 were found laboratory-confirmed cases. The rabies cases were most commonly reported and confirmed in dogs followed by other domestic animals. The high occurrences were recorded between 2005 and 2007. However, the incidence was increased during 2016 and 2017. The highest number of rabies cases was recorded in the eastern development zone, and the least number in the central zone at regional level. Likewise, it was highest in the Terai (plain) region and lowest in mountainous areas at agro-ecological zones. The findings also revealed that the occurrences of rabies significantly differed among seasons. Conclusion: Rabies is present in Nepal throughout the year and all seasons with seasonal variation. Among the animal species, dogs are the primary animals affected with rabies followed by cattle and other domestic animals. At the regional level, eastern development zone had the highest incidence and Central development zone recorded the least. Similarly, the Terai region had the highest incidence rates, and the least overall prevalence rate was observed in mountainous regions among agro-ecological zones. Therefore, the government should implement the strict enforcement of mass dog vaccination and dog population management through one health approach to control rabies incidence in the country.

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Section: Temporal Patternsupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Temporal Patternmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Animal rabies epidemiology in Nepal from 2005 to 2017

et al. 2021

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“…However, these political dynamics had impacted the performance of the health care system in a negative way which is common at moments of crisis or instability [ 3 ]. A significant upsurge in cases of rabies in dogs and humans was reported in many governorates and the epidemiological situation became alarming [ 12 ]. Instability and insecurity caused by the manifestations led to a decline in dog vaccination coverage and adverse consequences on the disease surveillance [ 2 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Instability and insecurity caused by the manifestations led to a decline in dog vaccination coverage and adverse consequences on the disease surveillance [ 2 ]. Veterinarians were unable to collect samples and a variation in reporting cases was noted [ 12 ]. Indeed, A drastic decrease in the number of submitted samples was observed ( 282 samples analyzed in 2011 compared to 415 in 2009) [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal bites and post-exposure prophylaxis in Central-West Tunisia: a 15-year surveillance data

Bennasrallah

Fredj

Mhamdi³

et al. 2021

BMC Infect Dis

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Background Rabies is a disease that still exists in developing countries and leads to more fatalities than other zoonotic diseases. Our study aimed to describe the profile of human exposures to animals over fifteen years and to assess the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) practices in the governorate of Kasserine (Tunisia) on pre- and post-revolution (2011). Methods We carried out a descriptive study using surveillance data from a region in Central-West Tunisia. All humans exposed to animals, residents in Kasserine Governorate and declared to the regional directorate of primary health care (RDPH) from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2018 were included. Results A total of 45,564 cases of human exposures to animals were reported over the fifteen-year period of the study with an annual average of 3089.2 ± 403.1. The standardized incidence rate (SIR) of human exposures to animals was 694 per year per 100,000 inhabitants (inh). The most listed offending animal was the dog (91.3%) and the most reported type of exposure was bites (63.7%). The trend in human exposures to animals increased significantly over time. The number of exposures by vaccinated dogs decreased significantly and by unvaccinated and stray dogs increased steeply. When comparing pre-and post-revolution periods, the yearly average of animal exposures post-2011 was significantly greater than the average prior to 2011 (3200 ± 278.5 vs 2952.8 ± 483) (p < 0.001). The yearly average of animal bites post-2011 was significantly greater than the average prior to 2011 (2260.5 ± 372.1 vs 1609.8 ± 217.9) (p < 0.001). The average number of vaccine doses per animal exposure was 2.4. Concerning PEP protocols, protocol A (2 and 3 doses) was indicated in 79% of animal exposures cases. From 2004 to 2018, a downward trend was noted for protocol A (r = − 0.29, p < 0.001) and an upward trend for protocol B (3 and 5 doses) (r = 0.687, p < 0.001). During our study period, 5 fatal cases of human rabies were declared. Conclusion Rabies remains a major public health problem in Tunisia. The political dynamics had an impact on the health care system and rabies control. Preventive measures should be applied adequately to decrease the burden of this disease.

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