The epidemiology of human rabies postexposure prophylaxis, 1980-1981
- 21 October 1983
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA
- Vol. 250 (15) , 1990-1996
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.250.15.1990
Abstract
Little is known about the epidemiology of human rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), an important problem whether examined by the cost, the number of persons treated or the public health resources required. Twenty-one states participated in a surveillance of PEP in 1980-1981. When state health departments were involved, PEP was given correctly to at least 88% of persons. The highest incidence of PEP was in young people up to 15 old, males and those in rural areas. Postexposure prophylaxis occurred primarily during the spring, summer and fall months. The epidemiology of PEP varies depending on the source of exposure and age. Domestic animals and rodents-lagomorphs accounted for PEP far out of proportion to their small role in animal rabies. Postexposure prophylaxis can be prevented for many by not keeping wild animals as pets and reduced by having physicians consult with sate or local health departments before starting treatment.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Surveillance of Animal-Bite Cases in th e U n ited States, 1971–1972Archives of environmental health, 1977