Two year prevalence of suspected rabid dog bites and the cost implications at Entebbe grade a referral hospital, Uganda

Abstract

<span class="fontstyle0">Rabies remains an important but neglected disease in Africa and Asia. Disparities in the affordability and<br />accessibility of post-exposure treatment and the risks of exposure to rabid dogs result in a skewed<br />distribution of the disease burden across society; with the major impact falling on the rural poor<br />particularly children. Dog bites are the main source of human and animal rabies in Africa, Asia, and<br />South America, and are economically significant. A dog bite victim pays for the mandatory PEP plus<br />incidental costs including transport, food and accommodation making it very expensive. The study<br />established the two-year hospital-based prevalence for dog bites and estimated the economic costs<br />incurred to access PEP at Grade A. Secondary data were obtained from the dog bite victims' records<br />captured during PEP treatment. The records included the patient's address, the region of origin or<br />residence, age, sex, incriminated animal species; and whether domestic or stray. A total of 3600 people<br />reported animal bites in the two years; 90.5%, 7.8%, and 1.7% were bitten by dogs, cats and wild animals<br />respectively. Majority of dog bite victims were males below 18 years. A dog bite victim spends USD<br />91.177 - 288.234 to receive complete PEP treatment. Young males were at the highest risk of being bitten<br />by dogs. High costs were incurred by the victims' households. Mass dog vaccination must be intensified<br />throughout the country to prevent human exposure to rabies. Public awareness and education should be<br />prioritized.</span>