Epidemic situation and control measures of rabies in Yunnan Province from 1995 to 2006

Objective The study was conducted to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in Yunnan Province in recent years and uncover the factors contributing to the picking-up incidence and underlying problems,proposing appropriate control measures.Methods The epidemic reporting,case investigation and surveillance data of rabies during 1995-2006 in Yunnan were collected for analysis.Results There were 95 cases of rabies during 1995-2006 in Yunnan,and 95 of them died,the mortality being 100%.The cases occurred in each year except 1995,1996,and 1998. The incidence was gradually increasing and relatively high during May to October,which accounted for 73.7%.Cases were reported in 11 states(cities)in the province,where 79% of the cases were predominantly found in Wenshan,Qujing,Dehong.The highest incidence was found among farmers (52.6%),followed by students(23.2%).The youngest affected was aged 2,while the oldest 65.The male to female ratio was 2.5:1.The most common cause was dog bites,though more than 70% of the cases did not receive wound treatment or immunization.Conclusion The incidence of rabies in Yunnan presented a rapidly rising trend.The main reasons might have been insufficient attention paid by the leader class,increasing number of dogs with lack of supervision,low immunization rate of dogs, and lack of appropriate wound treatment and immunization after dog bites.Further efforts were left to be made.