[Pre- and post-exposure rabies prophylaxis: who to vaccinate and how?]

Switzerland is rabies free since 1996 (except bats). However sporadic cases in animals (imported dogs and local bats essentially) may occur from time to time. The disease is always fatal, which implies special attention when someone gets bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, not only in a country with a high endemicity, but also in Switzerland. In this article, we will explore in detail the modalites of application of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis following the publication of new recommandations from the Public Health authorites of Switzerland.