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Rabies in Poland in 2013 and 2014
Małgorzata Sadkowska-Todys1, Bożena Kucharczyk1
1National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, Department of Epidemiology
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|November 22, 2016
Summary
Poland saw a significant decrease in animal rabies cases in 2013 and 2014. Despite this decline, the number of people vaccinated against rabies due to animal contact remained consistently stable.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
- Zoonotic Disease Control
Background:
- Rabies remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Understanding rabies epidemiology is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.
- Poland has historically experienced varying levels of rabies incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the epidemiological situation of rabies in Poland during 2013-2014.
- To compare rabies incidence in these years with previous periods.
- To analyze trends in animal rabies cases and human post-exposure prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from Epidemiological-Sanitary Stations.
- Review of questionnaires for individuals vaccinated post-exposure.
- Inclusion of data from the "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" bulletin and veterinary inspectorate reports.
Main Results:
- Animal rabies cases decreased by 30% in 2013 and 60% in 2014 compared to 2012.
- Podkarpackie and Małopolskie voivodeships reported the highest number of animal rabies cases.
- Approximately 7,300-7,700 people were vaccinated annually, with most exposures involving domestic animals like dogs and cats.
Conclusions:
- A declining trend in animal rabies cases was observed in Poland after 2012.
- The number of human rabies post-exposure vaccinations remained stable despite fluctuations in animal cases.
- Effective rabies control requires ongoing surveillance and public health interventions.
