Trends and spatial distribution of animal bites and vaccination status among victims and the animal population, Uganda: A veterinary surveillance system analysis, 2013–2017

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable fatal zoonotic disease. Uganda, through the veterinary surveillance system at National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC), captures animal bites (a proxy for rabies) on monthly basis from districts. We established trends of incidence corresponding post-exposure prophylactic anti-rabies vaccination in humans (PEP), associated mortality rates humans, spatial distribution bites, pets vaccinated during 2013–2017. reviewed rabies data NADDEC The persons reporting by suspected rabid dog/cat/wild animal, human deaths due to rabies, against vaccinated. Number total was obtained Uganda Bureau Statistics. computed PEP analyzed overall trends, also examined bites/rabies rabies. identified 8,240 2013–2017; 25 bites/ 100,000population. significantly decreased 9.2/100,000 2013 1.3/100,000 2017 (OR = 0.62, p 0.0046). Of with 6,799 (82.5%) received PEP, decreasing 94% 71% 0.65, p<0.001). Among 1441 victims, who reportedly never 156 (11%) died. Western region had higher (37/100,000) compared other regions. Only 5.6% (124,555/2,240,000) all were There decline rate (percentage annual district reports submitted Commissioner Health districts) bites. While reported districts so did among humans. Very few vaccine. Evaluation barriers complete may facilitate interventions enhance quality. recommended improved immediate administration exposed PEP.