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


CONCLUSIONS
Rabies exposure is a serious risk for Gambians and visitors. Tourists should be advised about pre-exposure prophylaxis and risk reduction of rabies exposure.
Wolfson Medical School, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia.
Elizabeth
E
Thomas
Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia.
Bintou J
BJ
Jallow
Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia.
Ilene
I
Carayol
Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia.
Readon C
RC
Ideh
Medical Research Council Unit (The Gambia), Atlantic Road, Fajara, PO Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia sanderson@mrc.gm.
Suzanne T
ST
Anderson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings; D005260:Female; D005714:Gambia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011819:Rabies Vaccines; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D011819:Rabies Vaccines
Dog bite; Gambia; Post-exposure prophylaxis; Rabies