Rabies surveillance in the central region of Tunisia: A 15-year observational study

Background Rabies remains a major public health threat in many parts of the world and is responsible for an estimated 55,000 human deaths annually. In Tunisia, the National Rabies Control Program was initiated in 1982 based on dog's annual vaccination campaign. The aim of our study was to descr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of public health 2021-10, Vol.31 (Supplement_3)
Main Authors: Ben Nasrallah, C, Ben Fredj, M, Kacem, M, Grira, S, Dhouib, W, Zemni, I, Abroug, H, Bouanene, I, Belguith Sriha, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal bites
Bats
Birth control
Contraception
Dogs
Epidemiology
Exposure
Health care
Health risks
Immunization
Observational studies
Primary care
Prophylaxis
Public health
Rabies
Surveillance
Vaccination
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Summary:Background Rabies remains a major public health threat in many parts of the world and is responsible for an estimated 55,000 human deaths annually. In Tunisia, the National Rabies Control Program was initiated in 1982 based on dog's annual vaccination campaign. The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological profile and management of rabies exposure in the Monastir governorate, Tunisia. Methods We included in our study all cases of animal aggression reported between 2004 and 2018 in the Monastir governorate. The source of the data was the directorate of primary health care in Monastir. Results A total of 27,277 bites were reported with an annual average of 1,817 cases per year. Most of victims were in the 5-14 age group (25%, n = 6,902). The culprit animal was the dog in 64% of cases followed by rats and cats. Only 42% of attacking dogs were vaccinated. A significant increase in dog bites was noted from 2004 to 2018 (β = 16.5; p =
ISSN:1101-1262
1464-360X
DOI:10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.629