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Human Rabies in China, 1960-2014: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study
Hang Zhou1,2, Sirenda Vong3, Kai Liu4
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|August 9, 2016
Summary
Human rabies in China remains a concern, with cases spreading to new areas despite a decline since 2007. Continued efforts are needed to control rabies transmission from dogs and work towards elimination.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rabies continues to be a significant public health issue in China.
- Geographic distribution of rabies has expanded in recent years.
- Nearly one thousand rabies-related deaths were reported in 2014.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies in China.
- To identify high-risk areas and seasonality of rabies.
- To support national rabies prevention and control activities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of notifiable surveillance data from 1960-2014.
- Detailed analysis of human rabies cases from 2004-2014.
- Examination of incidence, distribution, seasonality, and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- 120,913 human rabies cases reported from 1960-2014, peaking in 1981 and 2007.
- A seasonal peak observed in August; cases reported in all provinces, with eastern and southern regions more affected.
- Despite a 65.2% decrease in cases from 2004-2014, reported areas expanded; farmers and males aged 50-59 were most affected.
Conclusions:
- Human rabies cases show a steady decline since 2007, but new areas are reporting cases.
- Targeted investigations and control efforts are crucial in high-incidence areas, focusing on dog-to-human transmission.
- The ultimate goal for China should be the elimination of rabies.
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