Spatial Distribution and Risk Mapping of Rabies Cases in Humans and Animals in Plateau State

Spatial analysis of rabies cases provides critical information for prioritizing intervention resources in high-burden areas. This study mapped the spatial distribution and identified risk determinants of rabies in humans and animals in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Human rabies exposure and death records were obtained from the Plateau State Ministry of Health for 2018 to 2023. Animal rabies confirmed cases were sourced from state veterinary records. Geographic coordinates of case locations were geocoded and analyzed using ArcGIS 10.8 software. Spatial autocorrelation was tested using Moran's Index, and hotspot analysis was performed using Getis-Ord Gi statistics. Logistic regression identified individual and ecological risk factors including dog ownership density, vaccination coverage, and proximity to livestock markets. Over the six-year period, 148 human exposures and 29 confirmed deaths were recorded, along with 73 confirmed animal rabies events. Spatial analysis identified significant hotspot clusters in four local government areas bordering Nasarawa and Kaduna States. Dog vaccination coverage below 30% was the strongest predictor of hotspot clustering. Animal rabies was spatially correlated with human exposure within a 15-kilometer radius. The study concludes that rabies risk in Plateau State is spatially heterogeneous and that targeted vaccination in identified hotspot zones would optimize program impact. Recommendations include geographic prioritization of mass dog vaccination campaigns and spatial surveillance integration into rabies elimination planning. Keywords: rabies, spatial analysis, risk mapping, Plateau State, dog vaccination