The danger of free-roaming dogs in peri urban settings: Two rabid dogs on rampage that bit 29 humans and 18 domestic animals in Wakiso and Luweero districts, Central Uganda
| dc.contributor.author | Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart | |
| dc.contributor.author | Njalira, Kassim Rashid | |
| dc.contributor.author | Eneku, Wilfred | |
| dc.contributor.author | Ssekandi, Colin | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kyabarongo, Alex | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mutesasira, Jesse | |
| dc.contributor.author | Komugisha, Mariam | |
| dc.contributor.author | Atim, Stella Acaye | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kateregga, John | |
| dc.contributor.author | Muhangi, Denis | |
| dc.contributor.author | Tweyongyere, Robert | |
| dc.contributor.author | Biryomumaisho, Savino | |
| dc.contributor.author | Okwee Acai, James | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-02-09T17:54:51Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-02-09T17:54:51Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background Uganda averages 14,000 dog bites annually, with 86% caused by free-roaming dogs. Unfortunately, there is limited documentation to inform interventions. Here, we documented circumstances of attacks from free-roaming dogs on rampage in Central Uganda to identify critical gaps in the detection, preparedness, and response of the community. Methods We conducted an exploratory case study to actively survey attacks from rampaging dogs in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Central Uganda between November 2022 - November 2023. We traced the dogs responsible to immobilise and rule out rabies. We interviewed the victims and community to determine the circumstances of the bites, the healthcare sought and sentiments towards free-roaming dogs. We followed-up after 40 days, to assess adherence to rabies post exposure prophylaxis and to document any challenges encountered. Results Of the 8 cases reported, only two cases that occurred in Matugga and Mawale parishes fulfilled our criteria for rampage while the rest were predation, an incidental bite and straying into someone’s residence. The two rampaging dogs’ bit 29 humans, mostly children (75.8%) and 18 domestic animals. Immobilisation in Matugga failed while the dog in Mawale was killed by the community in a mob. Due to limited knowledge, 93.1% of the victims did not wash the wound and go the medical facility as recommended by WHO. Instead, they sought healthcare from the traditional healer (58.6%), stayed home or applied herbs (20.7%). Parallel with our advice, those victims sought medical care however they encountered challenges not limited to lack of funds and poor services at public health facilities. After inflicting bites, the dogs responsible and other free-roaming dogs were killed by hitting them with sticks in a mob. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrate the impact that a lone free-roaming dog with rabies can have on a community. They also reveal how poverty, limited awareness, reliance on traditional healers, and barriers to medical care access impede health care received by dog bite victims in this setting. Implementing educational campaigns and responsible ownership of free-roaming dogs should help reduce dog bites and rabies in Central Uganda, as well as in other socioeconomically similar settings. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Tayebwa, D. S., Njalira, K. R., Eneku, W., Ssekandi, C., Kyabarongo, A., Mutesasira, J., ... & Acai, J. O. (2024). The danger of free-roaming dogs in peri urban settings: Two rabid dogs on rampage that bit 29 humans and 18 domestic animals in Wakiso and Luweero districts, Central Uganda. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3834419/v1 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3834419/v1 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/9944 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Research Square | |
| dc.title | The danger of free-roaming dogs in peri urban settings: Two rabid dogs on rampage that bit 29 humans and 18 domestic animals in Wakiso and Luweero districts, Central Uganda | |
| dc.type | Article |