Hospital Records (2006-2013) of Dogbite Cases and Laboratory Confirmation of Dog Rabies in Niger State, Nigeria

The hospital records of dog bite cases reported to the government hospitals across Niger State between January, 2006 and July, 2013 were investigated. Additionally, records of animal samples submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom-Nigeria for confirmatory rabies diagnosis during same period were investigated. Data on dog bite victims including year/month of bite, sex of victims, age and sites of bite were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that a total of 223 cases were recorded with the highest number (40 cases) recorded in 2012 and the least (10 cases) recorded in 2013. Higher proportions of victims (66.8%) were males and 46.2% of victims were children below the age of 15 years. Majority (81.3%) of bite was inflicted on the legs and then to some extent (14.3%) on the hands. A total of 1976 animal samples were submitted to NVRI, Vom for rabies diagnosis during the reporting period with 55.6% being confirmed positive but none was submitted from Niger State. Considering that over 81% of bite sites occurred on the legs, it suggests a possible prolong incubation period of rabies in victims. This may enhance misdiagnosis of rabies due to none or poor follow up of dog bite victims in our society. Similarly, non-submission of animal samples to NVRI, Vom from Niger State for rabies diagnosis suggest non-surveillance of rabies in the state. Enhanced surveillance of animal and human rabies in the state and Nigeria at large is highly recommended.