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Published on: August 18, 2023
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Rabies in Morocco: Epidemiological Aspects and Post-exposure Prophylaxis Management.
Kenza El Bazi1, Touria El Bardi1, Mouhcine Miloudi1
1Microbiology, Avicenne Military Hospital, Marrakech, MAR.
Cureus
|September 18, 2023
Summary
Rabies prevention in Morocco is hindered by delayed post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after animal bites, particularly in rural areas. Improving public awareness and access to timely PEP is crucial for controlling this fatal zoonotic disease.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonosis Control
Background:
- Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease, with dogs being the primary source of human transmission in Morocco.
- Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is essential to prevent rabies after animal exposure.
- Inappropriate or delayed PEP significantly increases the risk of rabies infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze animal exposure characteristics in Ouarzazate, Morocco (2016-2019).
- To identify factors contributing to delays in initiating PEP.
- To evaluate patient attitudes and practices regarding animal exposure and PEP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing data from the Anti-Rabies Center (ARC) in Ouarzazate Province.
- Statistical analysis of patient demographics, exposure details, and PEP initiation timelines.
- Investigation of associations between delays and patient/exposure characteristics.
Main Results:
- Males (61.3%) and children aged 5-14 (23.5%) were most affected.
- Stray dogs caused 54.4% of bites, with upper limb exposure being most common (49.4%).
- Significant delays in PEP initiation (beyond 48 hours) were linked to patient age, rural residence, distance from ARC, and bite characteristics (p≤0.05).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of patients experienced delays in PEP initiation and did not complete vaccination schedules.
- Factors such as rurality, distance, and bite specifics significantly impact timely PEP.
- Enhanced public awareness and improved access to rabies prevention services are critical, especially for rural populations.
