Surveillance of people exposed to rabies in Jinhua,2009

Objective To analyze the results of the surveillance of people exposed to rabies in Jinhua,2009, providing the basis for appropriate treatment of post-exposure patients and control of rabies epidemic. Methods Surveillance systems for people exposed to rabies were set up at all out-patient clinics in the city to collect the information on exposure and treatment of first visitors. Descriptive epidemiological analysis of the data was conducted. Results A total of 54 942 cases exposed to rabies were reported in Jinhua,2009, with an exposure rate of 1080.37/lakh. The incidence increased in late spring, peaked in summer and dropped in autumn. The victims were mostly youngsters and adults; 59.57% were at the age from 20 to 59. Most cases were farmers, accounting for 57.56%. The predominant attacking animal was dogs, accounting for 91.17%, followed by cats that accounted for 4.87%. Grade Ⅰ exposure accounted for 17.96%, grade Ⅱ exposure 71.24%, and grade Ⅲ exposure 10.81%. The most frequently injured site was the calf, accounting for 40.89%. The whole-course inoculation rate among the clinic patients was 99.85%, and 26.56% of those with grade Ⅲ exposure received passive immunization. Conclusion In view of the increasing prevalence of rabies in Jinhua, it is essential to strengthen administrative measures and standardize canine management to effectively manage and immunize healthy dogs and eliminate affected dogs. Moreover, the future work should be focused on the enhancement of public education and inclusion of vaccines and passive immunization agents to rural health insurance to reduce patients' economic burden.