A One-Health Approach to Control the Incidence of Rabies in the Slums of Nairobi

 

Mutembei HM, AE Cook, Muraya J, Makau DN, Aleri J, Kipyegon A and Mulei CM
 

Research Paper I Published November,2015

 

Journal of Medical and Biological Science Research Vol. 1 (9), pp. 130-133

 

ABSTRACT

Rabies is a zoonotic disease causing 55,000 human deaths every year and the domestic dog is a main reservoir in Africa. Vaccination of the dog population effectively reduces the incidence of rabies in dog and human population. A rabies control program was carried out in slums of Nairobi. A pre- and post-program knowledge, attitudes and practices survey was done, dogs vaccinated for three years and a post-program sero-conversion testing of the dog population performed. A total of 390 interviews of persons aged 18-83 years were carried, 5,676 dogs and 1,565 cats were vaccinated, 497 bitches and 345 cats were spayed and finally 857 dogs and 306 cats were castrated. Initially 86% of people had heard of rabies, 76% knew it was contracted through dog bite, 40% of knew rabies could be prevented in dogs through vaccination, 10% knew prevention of human rabies was by vaccination and 23% suggested animal vaccination as a means of preventing human rabies. Bite incidence was high - 7 per 1000 per year and wound washing following dog bite was reported in 26% of the cases. Older respondents were more knowledgeable about rabies transmission and prevention in dogs and people; (n=390, P = 0.02) and (n=390, P = 0.01). Knowledge of human rabies transmission and prevention was associated with level of education (n=390, P = 0.01) and an increase in awareness was associated with the vaccination program (n=390, P = 0.01). The vaccination program was successful with a sero-conversion of 65%±0.49 in the dog population. Vaccinations and public awareness can help in control of rabies in the slums.

Key words: Rabies, Public awareness, Vaccination, Population control, Slum areas.

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