Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis at a clinic in Fajara, The Gambia

Elizabeth Thomas; Bintou J Jallow; Ilene Carayol; Readon C Ideh; Suzanne T Anderson

doi:10.1093/trstmh/tru069

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis at a clinic in Fajara, The Gambia

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Aug;108(8):513-5. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/tru069. Epub 2014 May 20.

Authors

Elizabeth Thomas¹, Bintou J Jallow², Ilene Carayol², Readon C Ideh², Suzanne T Anderson³

Affiliations

¹ Wolfson Medical School, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia.
² Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia.
³ Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia sanderson@mrc.gm.

PMID: 24849125
DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru069

Abstract

Background: The Gambia is a popular holiday destination that is classified as a high-risk area for rabies exposure by the WHO.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 49 subjects with rabies exposure attending The Medical Research Council Clinical Service, The Gambia, for treatment. Their demographics, details of exposure and treatment delivery were evaluated.

Results: An estimated 16% (8/49) of all exposures were likely to be from rabid animals. Moreover, 24% (12/49) of patients were tourists, none of whom had received pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Conclusion: Rabies exposure is a serious risk for Gambians and visitors. Tourists should be advised about pre-exposure prophylaxis and risk reduction of rabies exposure.

Keywords: Dog bite; Gambia; Post-exposure prophylaxis; Rabies.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Animals
Bites and Stings
Female
Gambia / epidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis*
Rabies / epidemiology
Rabies / prevention & control*
Rabies Vaccines
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors

Substances

Rabies Vaccines