Rabies: the emergence of a microbial threat

Since 1912 when rabies was first confirmed in Kenya, the disease has largely existed in varying degrees of occurrence. Spatial and temporal distribution of cases of animal rabies are well documented. Records of human cases have not been as detailed as the veterinary cases. The principal animal reservoir for rabies has been the dog. Save for the 1960s, rabies outbreaks occurred in the country for most part of this century. The 1980's witnessed a dramatic upward swing in the number of cases reported annually. Over the years an enzootic pattern covering most parts of the country emerged. This article reviews available data showing rabies as an emerging microbial threat in Kenya.