Epidemiological Assessment of Animal Bite Injury and Rabies Post Exposure Prophylaxis in Kisumu County, Kenya

Introduction: Animal bite injury of humans provide an important source of epidemiological information which is crucial in enhancing rabies surveillance in humans and animals. Rabies post exposure prophylaxis consumes substantial resources, time and exerts a lot of financial burden on the victims. The overall aim of this study was to conduct a rapid epidemiological appraisal of animal bite injury and rabies post exposure prophylaxis in Kisumu County, Kenya in order to inform the ongoing rabies prevention and control strategies in the County.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 32 administrative units (Sub-locations or wards) in Kisumu County, Kenya. Data was collected from outpatient department (OPD) registers in four peri-urban health centres in Kisumu East Sub County, Kenya. An integration of epidemiological tools for disease mapping was applied in the study. Quantum Geographic Information System was used to create a thematic map and spatial distribution of the animal bite injuries in Kisumu County.

Results: There were 133 (63%) males and 78(37%) female cases. The range in age was 11 – 40 years. Dog bite injury were highest 63(29.9%) among 11-17 years’ age group, while 49(23.2%) were aged between 18-24 years. Majority, (87.2 %) of the animal bite injuries were inflicted by domestic dogs. Wild dogs/stray dogs contributed 8.1% of the total number of animal bite injury cases. Cats and unknown animals contributed 1.4% and 3.3 respectively. The epidemiological curve showed that more than one case of animal bite injury occurred daily in Kisumu County between June and December, 2019 with the highest daily figure being 7. The study revealed the need to strengthen animal bite injury and rabies prevention and control strategies in Kisumu County.

Conclusion: The rabies prevention and control strategies in Kisumu County should be built on the “One Health” approach with special focus on strengthening the rabies surveillance system in both human and animal population in order to collect accurate and reliable epidemiological data.