Epidemiology of Human and Animal Rabies in Algeria

Abstract

In this paper we reviewed research paper regarding human and animal rabies in Algeria with the aim of describing the incidence in human and the prevalence of animal rabies in Algeria with emphasis on epidemiological assessment of the deployed control measures and zoonotic potential. Comparatively, the number of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) cases reported from Algeria followed a similar trend in dogs, highlighting the impact of this animal reservoir on the public health implication of the disease in Algeria. Human PEP incidence may reflect the true epidemiological situation of rabies in animals. In Algeria, an annual average of 85,000 people are exposed to rabies yearly through dog bites and eventually subjected to PEP procedure. From 2006 to 2013, an average of 20 human deaths from rabies were reported. The dog has proven to be the source of infection to humans with an average 99% of the reported case. Collaboration between the department of public health and department of veterinary services is important for the control of rabies in animals and thereby eliminate transmission to humans.