Territorial and Programmatic Determinants of Human Rabies Exposure and Postexposure Prophylaxis in Brazil: A...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Zoonotic Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Human rabies exposure frequently occurs at the intersection of urban, peri-urban, and wildlife interfaces.
• Effective postexposure management is critical for preventing rabies transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the territorial and programmatic aspects of human rabies exposure and postexposure prophylaxis in a Brazilian municipality.
• To identify trends and risk factors associated with human rabies exposure events.

Main Methods:

• A population-based ecological study utilized secondary data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) from 2007 to 2025.
• Analysis included human rabies exposure events, considering variables such as age, animal species, exposure type, and prophylaxis management.
• Incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated to assess trends.

Main Results:

• A total of 14,343 human rabies exposure notifications were recorded.
• Dogs were the primary source of exposure, but cat-related incidents showed an increasing trend.
• Children under 15 years represented a significant proportion of cases, and incidence rates rose over time, especially after 2010.

Conclusions:

• Rabies exposure in the study area indicates ongoing vulnerabilities at the urban-wildlife interface and challenges in postexposure management.
• Strengthening surveillance systems, promoting responsible animal ownership, and implementing One Health strategies are vital for reducing preventable rabies exposures.