Epidemiologic analysis of rabies cases among humans in Iraq.

Abstract

Background: Rabies is a fatal acute viral encephalitis that remains a public health problem in Iraq. There is continuous reported transmission nationwide.

Aim: To describe the epidemiology of reported rabies cases from 1997 to 2024 among humans in Iraq.

Methods: We collected data on all reported probable cases of rabies among humans for 1997-2024, from the Iraq national rabies surveillance database. We analysed the data using SPSS version 27 and Microsoft Excel 2019, and calculated the incidence rates per 10 million population.

Results: A total of 437 rabies cases were reported during the period, with an annual mean of 15.6 ± 6.6 cases. Cases occurred throughout the year, with a relative peak between May and October. The highest number of cases was reported in 1999 (30 cases; 6.9%) and the lowest was in 2015 (6 cases; 1.4%). Most cases occurred among children aged <15 years (60.2%), and males accounted for 82.2% of cases. The highest incidence rates per 10 million population were reported in the central and southern governorates, particularly Babylon (11.18) and Diyala (10.99).

Conclusion: Iraq continues to report a high number of rabies cases among humans annually. To achieve the WHO target of eliminating rabies among humans by 2030, there is a need for more effective rabies control measures, including better stray dog population management, expanded animal vaccinations, improved public awareness, and continuous access to rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin.