The reinforced National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) rabies surveillance network in Côte d’Ivoire.

Exposed individuals presenting at local health centers received immediate wound care and were referred to a NIPH local unit for PEP with rabies vaccine. Suspected human rabies cases were also referred to the nearest NIPH local unit for diagnosis and treatment. Exposed individuals could also present directly at a NIPH local unit or at the Anti-rabies Center in Abidjan. Individuals choosing to present at a NIPH local unit or the Anti-rabies Center received rabies vaccine and additional wound care as necessary. At the 28 NIPH local units, animal exposure data were collected from the individuals presenting there and were transmitted weekly to the Anti-rabies Center located within the NIPH Central Unit in Abidjan. NIPH units that did not comply were systematically contacted by the Anti-rabies Center to collect the information. The Anti-rabies Center was immediately notified about clinically diagnosed or suspected cases of human rabies. In addition, samples and information about the case were collected and shipped to the Anti-rabies Center through the rural bus system as an unaccompanied package, which was retrieved by Anti-rabies Center personnel in Abidjan and directly transferred to the Pasteur Institute of Côte d’Ivoire, also in Abidjan. The Anti-rabies Center collaborated with the Pasteur Institute for laboratory confirmation of rabies virus by RT-PCR [NB: give a citation for the specific sop or provide a brief, accurate description]. Rabies case information from the surveillance network was transmitted to the NIPH Central unit where it was combined with other national surveillance data and disseminated in weekly bulletins to the Anti-rabies Center, NIPH local units, and the Ministry of Health and HIV Control, as well as national veterinary authorities, and district and national health authorities.