[Current situations and future issues surrounding rabies in Japan and other countries]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis affecting the central nervous system, typically transmitted by mammals like dogs.
• Characterized by a long incubation period and nearly 100% mortality, rabies remains a significant global health concern.
• Despite effective vaccines, no definitive treatment exists, highlighting the importance of prevention and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of rabies, its characteristics, and transmission routes.
• To examine the history and current status of rabies control measures in Japan, including legal frameworks.
• To discuss recent rabies concerns in Japan, including imported cases and incidents related to control lapses.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on rabies epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment.
• Analysis of historical data and public health records pertaining to rabies in Japan.
• Examination of current rabies prevention laws and international control standards.

Main Results:

• Japan successfully eradicated canine rabies in 1957 through stringent control measures and dog vaccination under the Rabies Prevention Law.
• Despite eradication, Japan has documented four imported human rabies cases, underscoring the risk of re-introduction.
• Recent incidents, including the quarantine of dogs from Ukraine and a unvaccinated dog bite case in Gunma, have heightened public awareness and concern.

Conclusions:

• Japan's rabies control framework, stricter than international standards, has maintained the country's rabies-free status for decades.
• Ongoing vigilance is crucial to prevent re-introduction of rabies, necessitating strict adherence to control measures and preparedness for imported cases.
• Addressing future challenges requires continuous evaluation of control strategies, public education, and international cooperation in rabies prevention.