Human rabies in Hong Kong: a case review

Five human rabies cases were reported in Hong Kong between 1980 and 1984. A review of their clinical data showed only 2 had a definite history of dog bite, while 3 were residents in the infected area. The human outbreak concurred with the epizootic of canine rabies. However, only two cases were diagnosed ante-mortem. Two cases were not even suspected as rabies until proven by post mortem pathological examination. Three of five cases presented as non-specific encephalitis. All the patients died, despite the administration of specific anti-rabies treatment in two cases. Close liaison between the clinician, epidemiologist and pathologist is essential in the management of suspected rabies. Though rabies control is the primary responsibility of the epidemiologist, surveillance data especially in respect of the occurrence of epizootics and human outbreaks as well as the area of infection should be useful to the clinician in patient management.