Abstract

Rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease transmitted primarily through dog bites, remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities with high dog populations, limited veterinary services, infrastructure and public awareness. This case report documents a confirmed rabies case in an 11-month-old unvaccinated indigenous dog in Jos East Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Preliminary diagnosis was carried out using the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test, and confirmation was subsequently achieved using the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT) at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The victims received rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and anti-tetanus injection, while rabies immunoglobulin was administered to the victim who was bitten on the face. This report underscores the challenges of rabies control in rural and semi-urban Nigerian settings, and the need for integrating mass dog vaccination, community education and improved healthcare infrastructure.

Key words: Rabies, Nigeria, Plateau, Public health, Vaccination