Tackling rabies in Kenya: A closer look at surveillance data
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Published on
17.06.25
- Challenges
Rabies, a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted by the bite of an infected animal, is a significant public health challenge in Kenya.
The Kenya Rabies Elimination Strategy aims to end human deaths from rabies by 2030, with surveillance identified as a key pillar in achieving this goal.
A new research study published in Frontiers in Public Health (June 2025) explored the national human and animal rabies surveillance data in Kenya, providing useful insights to inform ongoing interventions under the national rabies elimination program.
The study was carried out by researchers affiliated to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Kenya Directorate of Livestock Policy, Research and Regulations, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Nairobi and Washington State University.
The researchers carried out a retrospective analysis of official rabies data from national human and animal health surveillance systems between 2017 and 2023.
The data included information on bites, cases and deaths in both dogs and humans due to rabies.
Incidences were estimated, and relationships between rabies variables in humans and dogs were tested to assess data robustness.
On average, there were 162 cases and 84 deaths in dogs, while humans experienced 53 cases and 6 deaths.
Positive correlations were found between dog bites and rabies cases in dogs, dog bites and dog deaths, and rabies cases in dogs and dog deaths.
However, relationships between rabies cases and dog bites in humans were not statistically significant.
Interestingly, rabies cases in dogs and humans were negatively correlated.
The observed weak relationship between rabies cases and dog bites in humans, along with the negative correlation between rabies cases in dogs and humans, suggests potential under-reporting of human cases of rabies.
Such under-reporting could be driven by misdiagnosis, limited access to healthcare, or effective post-exposure treatment.
Understanding these relationships is critical for improving surveillance systems that can effectively support the rabies elimination program.
Strengthening human rabies case reporting and addressing the identified gaps will be essential steps towards achieving the goal of ending human deaths from rabies in Kenya by 2030.
One Health approach
As rabies is a zoonotic disease, the authors of the study note that a One Health approach is essential for effective control of the disease and, ultimately, its eradication.
This would involve cross-sectoral coordination, integrated surveillance of human, animal and environmental health data, and community engagement.
Specific interventions
Additionally, they identify specific interventions that could accelerate the drive towards the elimination of rabies in the country.
“Kenya should adopt sustainable and cost-effective elimination strategies like vaccinating at least 70% of the domestic dogs coupled with laboratory-based animal rabies surveillance systems and use of cost-effective diagnostic tests,” the researchers recommend.
Another potential intervention is the use of integrated electronic case management to improve case detection and response timeliness, particularly in resource-constrained regions.
Furthermore, public awareness and education on wound care after dog bites is essential to reduce human fatalities.
Healthcare professionals need to be adequately trained in post-exposure prophylaxis and clinical case management.
Finally, social mobilization and active community engagement are essential to foster a One Health approach.
This will ensure that the national rabies surveillance and control efforts are effective and sustainable.
Citation
Kahariri, S., Thomas, L.F., Bett, B., Mureithi, M., Njuguna, B., Mutono, N. and Mwangi, T. 2025. One Health surveillance: linking human and animal rabies surveillance data in Kenya. Frontiers in Public Health 13: 1594162.
Photo: A dog gets a rabies vaccine in Machakos County, Kenya (credit: ILRI/Geoffrey Njenga)