PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL RABIES CASES IN HUMANS IN UMUAHIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE NIGERIA

*Nwoha R. I. O. and Ugwuoke F.N

ABSTRACT

The dangers of rabies in humans and animals prompted the conduction of a 5 year retrospective studies (2009-2013) of clinical rabies cases in Umuahia of Abia State, Nigeria. The study was done randomly with questionnaires and data collated from 10 hospitals and some selected clans in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The questionnaire was designed to obtain data on out patient clinical rabies cases and their sex distribution in humans. The study recorded zero (0) prevalence rate within the period of 2009 to 2013 in Umuahia of Abia State Nigeria. The result recorded among several reasons was due to increased awareness of residents to vaccination program of dogs against infectious diseases including rabies. The respondents have no knowledge of any rabies patient within their environment. In addition, there was a progressive increase in patients’ hospital visitation within the period of 2009 to 2013 confirming public awareness of rabies and need for hospital consultation in health challenges. In conclusion, the zero prevalence in clinical rabies may indicate an increase in public awareness to dangers associated with rabies and need for prioritizing vaccination program of their household dogs.

Keywords: clinical, rabies, dogs, Umuahia.