Risk Factors and Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Human Rabies Exposure in Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia

摘要: Background: Rabies is a neglected tropical disease, which economically important with great public health concerns in developing countries including Ethiopia. Epidemiological information can play an role the control and prevention of rabies, though little known about status disease many settings The present study aimed to investigate risk factors spatio-temporal patterns human rabies exposure Northwestern Tigray, Methods: A prospective was conducted from 01 January 2016 31 December (lapsed for one year) at Suhul general hospital, Northern Data cases were collected using pretested questionnaire that prepared individuals dog bite victims. Moreover, GPS coordinate each site analysis hand-held Garmin 64 apparatus. Later, cluster exposures identified Getis-Ord Gi* statistics. Results: In total, 368 during year. Age group 5 14 years old highly exposed (43.2%; 95% CI, 38.2–48.3). Greater number registered males (63%; 58.0–67.8) than females (37%; 32.1–42.0). Residents rural (85.6%; 81.6–88.8) areas greater urban residents (14.4%; 11.2–18.4). Higher proportion caused by unprovoked (96.5%; 94.0–98.0) unvaccinated (85.9%; 81.9–89.1) dogs. All exclusively bites majority them (80.4%; 76.0–84.2) stray Results showed Asgede Tsimbla, Endaselassie Laelay Adiyabo districts experienced highest burden exposure; as hot spots. Strong peaks occurred between March July months. Conclusion: provided basic epidemiological on potential associated exposure. our findings basis understanding Tigray first time.