[Rabies in France: an update]

In 1996, rabies was responsible for more than 35,000 deaths worldwide. Three cases of human rabies that had been contracted abroad were diagnosed in France during the same year. Cases notified in 1997 followed exposure outside the country. Fox, bat, and dog rabies are reviewed on the basis of the latest epidemiological data obtained in France.

Two cases of fox rabies diagnosed in 1998 occurred at the border between France and Germany, thus preventing five French departments bordering Germany from being officially declared rabies-free in 1999. The campaigns for oral immunization of foxes that are led since 1986 are responsible for the decrease in rabies incidence. Though not well known, bat rabies is a reality in France, involving either European virus strains (five cases all over the country) or African virus strains that are carried along by imported tropical bats. Dogs rabies is also today an imported disease.

The decrease in risk for rabies has resulted from the conjunction of multiple efforts: extensive programs aimed at oral vaccination of foxes in France and its neighboring countries, efficient epidemiological survey, sanitary controls at borders, ban on importing tropical bats. Furthermore, recommendations for preventive pre-exposure immunization have recently been changed, leading to modifications of the French licensing form.