Analysis on epidemic of human rabies in Guangdong province, 1997-2007

ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiological characteristics and influential factors of the prevalence of human rabies from 1997 to 2007 in Guangdong province. MethodsThe data of human rabies epidemics reported during this period were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. ResultsA total of 1817 rabies cases were reported from 1997 to 2007, and the incidence increased rapidly. Most cases (97%) occurred in rural area, the incidence among the people aged 15 or 50 years were relatively higher. The incidence of the disease peaked in summer and autumn. The epidemic spread from the neighboring Guangxi and Hunan province to the Pearl River Delta Region year by year. ConclusionIn recent years, human rabies spread from western and northern Guangdong to the Pearl River Delta Region and Chao-Shan Plain. The rural area was mostly affected, and children and the elder were at increased risk for rabies. Improving the affordability of wound treatment after exposure is one of the key issues for the prevention and control of rabies.