Investigation of a Rabies Outbreak Following a Human Bite by a Suspected Rabid Dog at Duhu Settlement of Madagali LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria: A Field Epidemiologic Report

Abstract

Rabies, a vaccine-preventable zoonosis, persists as a public health threat in rural Nigeria, with dog bites driving most human exposures. This field epidemiologic report investigates a suspected rabies outbreak in Duhu settlement, Madagali LGA, Adamawa State, following bites by an unvaccinated stray dog on April 26–27, 2025. A multidisciplinary team conducted rapid active surveillance on April 27, using clinical case definitions and household canvassing to assess extent, risk factors, and implement controls. Findings confirmed 26 animal cases 8 dogs (31%), 12 goats (46%), 6 sheep (23%) exhibiting aggression, restlessness, and indiscriminate biting. The index dog was killed, with its carcass improperly disposed. Four humans (Category III exposures) received timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), averting fatalities. Attack rate: 16% among local dogs/livestock. Key risks included zero vaccination coverage, communal grazing, and cross-border stray movements. Control measures encompassed carcass burial, animal quarantine, PEP referral, ring vaccination (150 dogs, 85% coverage), and media sensitization. No further cases emerged post-May 2025. This outbreak mirrors northeastern Nigeria's patterns, where low surveillance and <15% dog vaccination fuel transmission. It highlights One Health gaps amid pastoralist livelihoods. Recommendations urge annual mass vaccination (>70% coverage), community reporting hotlines, and integrated vet-human responses per NCDC guidelines (NCDC, 2023). Scaling these could advance Nigeria's "Zero by 30" goals, reducing economic losses and deaths.