The using of participatory epidemiology (EP) approach in supporting of rabies control program in district of Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

The effort to control rabies in Bali requires an alternative approach to surveillance system that is cheaper, more effective and was validated such as participatory epidemiology (PE) technique. PE study was conducted to analyze the incidence of rabies and other things associated with the event using the PE. The study was conducted in 12 villages in four subdistricts randomly selected in District of Karangasem, Bali province. Data were collected by a group discussion using the techniques developed in PE as simple ranking, proportional piling, matrix scoring, seasonal calendar and mapping. The results of this study showed in the District of Karangasem found various animals that could transmit rabies as dogs, cats, bats, squirrels and monkeys. Dogs are non-livestock animals most commonly found in the environment and the most important role in people's lives. About 20% of all dogs in the area are estimated to have the disease, including rabies problem. The problems of rabies in dogs in the region are expected to have morbidity of 3.6 %, mortality of 3% and case fatality of 81.8%. In general, the incidences of dog bites on humans have increased, especially in the months of April and June. The pattern of increased incidence of bites do not occur simultaneously with an increase in the number of breeding dogs at breeding season (February-April) and increased number of cultural and religious ceremonies (April and August). Our study revealed, that PE is a useful approach in an effort to control non-livestock animal diseases such as rabies. Based on our experiance, PE could be a useful tool to evaluate the success of public awareness program concerning rabies in Bali.