Status of Rabies Suspected Cases in Human in Nekemte Health Center, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Rabies is encephalitis, almost inevitably fatal zoonotic disease. In Ethiopia it is highly endemic. Approximately 10, 000 people were estimated to die of rabies annually as the domestic dog plays a principal role as a reservoir and transmitter of the disease to humans which make it to be one of the worst affected countries in the world. A retrospective study was conducted from November, 2015 to April, 2016 in Nekemte Town health center with the objectives of reviewing of recorded data on the status of rabies. The result indicated that a total of 727 peoples that were bitten by rabies suspected animals within the period of 2012-2015 were received post exposure prophylaxis with an average of 242 people infected annually. Among the reported suspected human rabies cases recorded 52.7% were children (less than 15years age). The recorded data showed the underestimate of rabies cases who took post exposure prophylaxis, which could be attributed due to the absence of organized recorded data management system. Therefore, based on the current study findings, regular intervention targeted at controlling stray dogs, administration of anti-rabies vaccination and awareness creation in one- health manner is strongly recommended to reduce the severity of this fatal diseases.