Epidemiological characteristics and case investigation of rabies in Yunnan, 2015–2019

  Objective  To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and morbidity and mortality of rabies in Yunnan province in recent five years, and provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of rabies in Yunnan.

  Methods  The incidence data of rabies in Yunnan from 2015 to 2019 were collected, a database was established and a chart was drawn. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze these data.

  Results  A total of 167 cases of rabies deaths were reported in Yunnan from 2015 to 2019, with an average annual incidence of 0.07/100 000. The cases were mainly reported from June to August, the annual incidence peak of the disease usually occurred in same period. The male to female ratio of the cases was 2.21∶1, and the cases occurred in all age groups, mainly in middle-aged and elderly residents and children in rural area. Most cases were still mainly caused by dog bite. Among the cases, 148 had clear exposure time, the median incubation period was 73 days, and the median course of disease after onset was 3 days. Six cases were laboratory confirmed. Only 10 of the cases with exposure Ⅱ or above were vaccinated with rabies vaccine. Thirty one dead animals with rabies virus or being suspected to carry virus were treated innocuously.

  Conclusion  The incidence of rabies in Yunnan decreased year by year, but the area affected expanded, the treatment after dog bite was not standardized, and the management of dogs in rural areas is not fully implemented. Therefore, rabies is still an important public health problem in Yunnan.