Retrospective Study of Dog Bite and Rabies Cases among Patients that Attended Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia (2020-2024)

Abstract

Background: Dog-mediated rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease endemic in Nigeria, causing fatal encephalitis. Despite being fully preventable through timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), human deaths persist due to gaps in animal vaccination and healthcare access. This study describes the epidemiology of dog bite injuries and rabies risk at a tertiary health facility in Abia State, Nigeria. Objective: To determine the five-year prevalence, annual trend, demographic characteristics, clinical management, and outcomes of dog bite injuries among patients attending the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, from 2020 to 2024. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted using hospital records of 289 consecutive dog bite victims over a five-year period. Data on socio-demographics, bite circumstances, clinical management (wound care, PEP, Rabies Immunoglobulin), and final outcomes were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Dog bite cases increased from 38 in 2020 to a peak of 70 in 2023. Victims were predominantly male (62.3%), aged 13-35 years (52.6%), and from rural areas (51.9%). Stray dogs accounted for 48.4% of bites, and 64.0% were unprovoked. The lower limbs were the most common bite site (46.7%). Critical gaps in PEP were identified: while 86.5% initiated vaccination, only 58.8% completed the full regimen, and Rabies Immunoglobulin administration was critically low at 23.9%. Consequently, 1.7% of victims developed clinical rabies, leading to a 1.0% mortality rate. Conclusion: The rising trend of dog bites and severe deficiencies in PEP completion, particularly the underuse of Rabies Immunoglobulin, create a high-risk environment for preventable rabies deaths. An integrated One Health strategy—combining mass dog vaccination, public education, and health system strengthening to ensure complete PEP—is urgently required to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies in line with the global 2030 target.