Rabies outbreak in Lefeisa town, Somali region, Ethiopia: A report on epidemiological trends and one health implications.

Background

Rabies is a significant zoonotic disease that poses a severe public health threat, particularly in pastoralist communities where human-animal interactions are frequent. Understanding outbreak dynamics is critical for developing effective control strategies and advancing sustainable health interventions.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of a rabies outbreak that affected both human and animals in Lefeisa town and to highlight the implications for a coordinated One Health approach to disease control and prevention.

Methods

Outbreak data were collected from health facilities and official reports in Lefeisa town for the period of May to September 2023. The analysis included human and animal cases suspected of rabies. Diagnosis in animals was confirmed using a rapid diagnostic kit. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the epidemiological trends of the outbreak. Result : A total of 28 people and 19 animals suspected of rabies were documented, of which two animals were confirmed using rapid diagnostic kit, with dogs identified as the main reservoir of the virus. Among the suspected human cases, 57.1 % occurred in individuals aged <15 years, and 71.4 % were male. Most bite exposures were classified as Category-3 (82.1 %). While the majority of bitten individuals have survived 85.7 %, a case fatality rate of 7.1 % was recorded and the outcome of an additional 7.1 % remains unknown. Confirmed cases of rabies were found in dogs and donkeys, while other species were classified as suspected based on clinical signs. Notably, community members often resorted to killing suspected rabid animals due to fear and sense of urgency to prevent potential harm, even before formal investigations could take place.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the crucial need for integrated One Health strategy that combines improved mass dog vaccination, community education on bite prevention and management, and enhanced diagnostic and surveillance capabilities to prevent future outbreaks and protect both human and animal health.