Topic:

Epidemiology and public health

Abstract No.:

ISE.416

Title:

Rabies outbreak in a low income settlement in Kisumu County, Kenya

Author(s):

P. Omemo¹, T. Opiyo², E. Ogola³; ¹Vet.Dept.Kisumu and Maseno University, Vet.Public health , Kisumu/KE, ²District Veterinary Office, Veterinary Services, Kisumu/KE, ³Kenya medical Research Istitute /CDC, Integrated human and animal research programme, Kisumu/KE

Abstract:

Background: Rabid dog- bites  appear to be increasing in many developing countries, despite efforts to improve prevention strategies. On 28^th December 2011a residents of Manyata, a low income settlement (slum) near Kisumu city reported to the local District veterinary office (DVO), of having killed a stray dog he suspected to be rabid. He had thrown the carcass in a dip pit latrine and he could not tell whether the dog had bitten any  dog or livestock in the community. On 30^th January 2011, a woman came to the DVO from Manyata slum with a four and a half year old boy.The boy had been bitten  on the neck by a  neighbour's dog the previous evening and had been taken to the local district hospital for rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).A decision was made to investigate the incident to rule out rabies.
Methods:  A search was mounted for the suspect dog in the community and it was found  in a nearby bush at the verge of death. The suspect dog together with its five puppies were euthanized. The head of the suspect dog was sent to the Central veterinary investigation laboratory (CVIL), Kabete (Nairobi).  Two more  rabies suspect (stray dogs) were found in  the neighbourehood  and  were euthanized.Their heads were also sent to the CVIL,Nairobi.An outbreak investigation team involving the DVO, Public health office (PHO) and CDC (Field epidemiology and laboratory training students) was formed. A massive dog vaccination was instituted in the slums by the DVO and provision of free PEP to the cases by the PHO.Local vernacular radio stations donated free air time to the DVO and PHO to inform the public of the rabies outbreak.
Results: Laboratory results showed that the sample from the offending dog was positive for rabies . Eight people (three children and five adults). Four people (two children and two adults) received PEP and four  cases could not be traced .One thousand  three  hundred dogs were vaccinated in two days. 
Conclusion: Collaboration between the local hospitals; PHO,DVO and other partners  in rabies surveillance is vital especially in regions where canine rabies still  a manace.