Exploration of circumstances surrounding bites from potentially rabid dogs on rampage, and the coping strategies of victims and communities in Central Uganda

This study investigated seven incidents involving aggressive dogs in the Kampala metropolitan area in Central Uganda, including two rampages that accounted for 47 bite cases affecting 29 humans (predominantly children at 72.4%) and 24 animals. Of the four dogs traced, three were confirmed positive for rabies. Despite 96.6% of human victims being eligible for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis due to sustaining deep wounds, 58.6% sought treatment from traditional healers, 13.8% self-medicated with local herbs, and 3.4% took no intervention. The study highlights the significant threat that free-roaming dogs pose in rabies transmission and the need for enhanced mitigation measures to achieve the global target of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030.