Sylvatic rabies and the perception of vampire bat activity in communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon

An outbreak of sylvatic rabies was reported in indigenous communities located in the Ecuadorian Amazon in November 2011. The objective of this study was to analyze family dwelling characteristics and other sociodemographic factors associated with the perception of an increase in hematophagous bat bi...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Romero Sandoval, Natalia Cristina, Escobar, Natalia, Utzet, Mireia|||0000-0001-5948-3914, Feijoo Cid, Maria|||0000-0002-7010-373X, Martín Mateo, Miguel|||0000-0003-2053-1039
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2014
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:163302
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/163302
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.1590/0102-311X00070413
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Chiroptera
Rabies
Disease outbreaks
Quirópteros
Rabia
Brotes de enfermedades
Descripción
Sumario:An outbreak of sylvatic rabies was reported in indigenous communities located in the Ecuadorian Amazon in November 2011. The objective of this study was to analyze family dwelling characteristics and other sociodemographic factors associated with the perception of an increase in hematophagous bat bites in humans and domestic animals to assist the implementation of intervention policies in the region. A total of 381 households from communities covered by the outbreak response activities were surveyed. Despite being associated with poorer dwelling conditions, the possession of domestic animals is associated with the perception of an increase in bat bites among animals. Better dwelling conditions, use of protective measures, access to electricity, and no domestic animals are variables associated with the perception of a rise in attacks on humans. The analysis of perceptions of bite frequency is fundamental to improve the effectiveness of vaccination programs and strategies to promote the adoption of preventive measures against rabies among the population