Endemic rabies in Ghana. Epidemiology and control measures.
Rabies is well established in Accra and there has been no decline in canine or human cases during the past 5 years. In the first 6 months of 1975, canine cases almost doubled over the period average. So far dogs are the only confirmed carnivorous vector in Ghana. A clear seasonal peak exists, so that intervention efforts can be times to achieve a maximum impact. Persons at greatest risk of contracting rabies are males and school-aged children, who need improved educational and post-dog bite services. The fundamental issue for health policy is to achieve a proper balance between environmental, preventive and treatment aspects of rabies. The report describes problems with logistics, canine vaccine shortage and failures, lack of owner cooperation, and control of a large stray dog population. Several proposals to improve coordination and organization of control programs are suggested.
D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004199:Disease Vectors; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D004285:Dogs; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000662:veterinary; D011819:Rabies Vaccines; D012621:Seasons; D014611:Vaccination
D011819:Rabies Vaccines