A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Rabies in Kandahar Province

Rabies is an acute and fatal viral zoonotic disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected animals. Globally, approximately 60,000 human deaths occur annually, and the mortality rate in humans approaches 100% once clinical symptoms appear. In Afghanistan, rabies-related morbidity and mortality remain significant. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2024 to assess rabies prevalence in Kandahar City and surrounding areas. During this period, 524 human dog-bite cases suspected of rabies exposure were recorded in Kandahar Province, with 16.7% from urban areas and 83.3% from rural communities. Males accounted for over 71% of cases, and 75.1% were individuals aged 5 or older, while 24.2% were children under 5. All exposures were from dog bites; no cases involved other animals. Key risk factors identified included limited knowledge (20% unaware of rabies), difficulty accessing vaccination services, presence of unvaccinated dogs and cats, and limited healthcare availability in rural areas. Rural communities and young children were at the highest risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced public education, expanded animal vaccination programs, and improved healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. Targeted interventions to address knowledge gaps, promote preventive practices, and improve healthcare availability are critical to reducing rabies incidence in Kandahar Province.