8 September 2006

 

Rabies in China

 

According to a media report, in August 2006 China completed a cull of 50,000 dogs in Yunnan province in response to three human cases of rabies [1]. Additional human cases have been reported in Jining, Beijing and Shanghai following dog bites [2,3]. Delays in post exposure treatment and vaccination may have contributed to some of the deaths.

Recommendations for travellers

Travellers to rabies endemic areas, including China, should be aware of the risk of rabies and exercise precautions:

           

• Avoid unnecessary contact with animals, particularly dogs.
• If bitten or scratched by a warm blooded animal, wash the wound with plenty of soap and water and seek medical attention immediately, even if previously vaccinated. Promptly administered post-exposure treatment, that includes rabies vaccine, is extremely effective in preventing rabies.
• Anyone returning to the UK with a possible exposure to rabies should seek prompt medical attention. They should discuss any treatment they have received overseas with their health provider.
• Pre-travel rabies vaccine can be considered for visits to rabies endemic countries, particularly for longer trips and when access to prompt and safe post-exposure rabies treatment may be difficult.

Detailed information on the prevention of rabies and the management of exposures is available in the Department of Health Green Book draft chapter on rabies at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/13/79/27/04137927.pdf

 

Further information

NaTHNaC rabies information sheet

http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/factsheets/rabies.htm

References

1. National Network for Immunization Information. Rabies scare prompts killing of 50 000 dogs. 2 August 2006 [cited 8 September 2006]. Available at http://www.immunizationinfo.org/pressroom/newsbriefs_

detail.cfv?id=12177

2. ProMED-mail. Rabies, canine, human - China (Shandong). ProMED-mail 2006; 5 Aug: 20060805.2174 [cited 8 September 2006]. Available at http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:

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3. ProMED-mail.  Rabies, canine, human - China (Beijing, Shanghai). ProMED-mail 2006; 27 August: 20060827.2443 [cited 8 September 2006]. Available at http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:

1746777418444449182::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,

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