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Challenges facing human rabies control: the Lebanese experience.
A Bizri1, A Alawieh2, N Ghosn3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine,American University of Beirut Medical Center,Beirut,Lebanon.
Epidemiology and Infection
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Rabies remains a significant zoonotic threat in the Middle East, primarily transmitted by stray dogs. Effective control requires improved public awareness, complete post-exposure prophylaxis, and robust regional cooperation.
Area of Science:
- * Public Health
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- * Rabies is a critical zoonotic disease globally, with a substantial burden in Middle Eastern countries.
- * Stray dogs are the primary vector, and control is hampered by low awareness and incomplete post-exposure prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To re-evaluate the rabies situation in Lebanon.
- * To compare rabies epidemiology in Lebanon with other Middle Eastern nations.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of rabies cases and animal bite incidents reported to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (2001-2012).
- * Review of human and canine rabies control measures, risk factors, and potential wild reservoirs.
Main Results:
- * Eight human rabies cases and 5,280 animal bites were reported between 2001 and 2012.
- * Dogs were the sole identified vector, responsible for the majority of bites.
- * An average of 3.2 vaccine doses were administered per bite for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
- * Prevention strategies must emphasize vector control, public education, and timely immunization.
- * Regional collaboration and surveillance of viral variants in wildlife are crucial for rabies control.
- * Addressing children's behavior and secondary wild reservoirs is important.
