Rabies epidemiology in Malaysia (2015-2023): A cross-sectional insights and strategies for control

Wada YA 1 , Mazlan M 2 , Noordin MM 3 , Mohd-Lila MA 4 , Fong LS 5 , Ramanoon SZ 6 Show all authors , Zahli NIU 7

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Electronic address: yawada@abu.edu.ng
  • 2 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Electronic address: m_mazlina@upm.edu.my
  • 3 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Electronic address: noordinmm@upm.edu.my
  • 4 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Electronic address: azmi@upm.edu.my
  • 5 Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Electronic address: lausengfong@upm.edu.my
  • 6 Department of Farm & Exotic Animals Medicine & Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Electronic address: sramanoon@upm.edu.my
  • 7 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Electronic address: nurulizzati.udazahli@upm.edu.my
Vaccine, 2024 Dec 02;42(26):126371.
PMID: 39288577 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126371

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malaysia currently faces significant challenges in controlling the spread of dog-mediated human rabies, as evidenced by recurrent outbreaks in newly affected areas and increasing human fatalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyse surveillance data from 2015 to 2023 to examine the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in Malaysia. Data from multiple sources were used, and descriptive statistics, incidence rates, and reproductive numbers were calculated. QGIS software was used to map the distribution of rabies cases, and statistical methods were employed to evaluate associations between rabies incidence, vaccination coverage, and risk factors. We further explored the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and public health interventions in reducing rabies transmission.

RESULTS: Our findings revealed 995 confirmed rabies cases in animals. Sarawak reported the highest proportion of rabies cases at 97.99 %, showing a significant correlation between location and rabies cases (p 

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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