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Published on: May 2, 2019
Human rabies in Tianjin, China.
J P Montgomery1, Y Zhang, E V Wells
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. jpmont@umich.edu
Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England)
|June 2, 2012
Summary
Human rabies caused 60 deaths in Tianjin, China, from 2005-2011, primarily from unvaccinated dog bites. Inadequate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) highlights urgent public health needs.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human rabies has re-emerged as a significant public health threat in Tianjin, China.
- The study addresses the growing concern of rabies incidence in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics and epidemiology of human rabies cases in Tianjin, China.
- To identify risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of current control measures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized surveillance data from the Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Analyzed 60 human rabies cases reported between 2005 and 2011.
- Examined case demographics, exposure details, and medical interventions.
Main Results:
- All 60 reported human rabies cases were fatal.
- Cases predominantly affected males (80%), middle-aged individuals (mean 40.6 years), and occurred in rural settings (82%).
- Most exposures resulted from unvaccinated dog bites (93%), with only 15% seeking medical care and none receiving complete post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Conclusions:
- Findings underscore the critical need for improved animal rabies surveillance and control in China.
- Recommendations include laboratory confirmation, prompt PEP, and enhanced public and healthcare provider education on rabies risk reduction.
