Preprint Article Version 1 This version is not peer-reviewed

Retrospective Study of Human Rabies Exposure and Associated Risk Factors in North-West Ethiopia

Version 1 : Received: 16 August 2024 / Approved: 17 August 2024 / Online: 20 August 2024 (05:03:48 CEST)

How to cite: Azalu, W. W.; Mekonnen, S. A.; Worku, A. K.; Kassa, A. M.; Abebe, W. M.; Jemberu, W. T. Retrospective Study of Human Rabies Exposure and Associated Risk Factors in North-West Ethiopia. Preprints 2024, 2024081273. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1273.v1 Azalu, W. W.; Mekonnen, S. A.; Worku, A. K.; Kassa, A. M.; Abebe, W. M.; Jemberu, W. T. Retrospective Study of Human Rabies Exposure and Associated Risk Factors in North-West Ethiopia. Preprints 2024, 2024081273. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.1273.v1

Abstract

Background: Rabies, a zoonotic disease caused by the lyssavirus genus, is widely distributed and a significant cause of human death in Africa and Asia. The study aimed to investigate human rabies exposure and associated risk factors in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: The study encompassed four zones, seven districts, and four kebeles from each district. Result: A total of 642 households were interviewed. In the current study, rabies exposure was revealed 10.47%. Over 98% of respondents displayed a strong understanding of rabies, with 99.69% correctly identifying rabies as a zoonotic disease. But, 80% of the interviewees trusted traditional medicine could treat rabies. Only 21.93% of the victims were taken post-exposure to prophylaxis. Dogs were the primary affected animals; (87.73%) of these 48.70% were bitten by their own dogs. Metema district was at a higher risk (p < 0.001) compared to the other six districts. Dog ownership (p

Keywords

Dog-bite; Epidemiology; Ethiopia; exposure; human rabies; Risk factor

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services

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