Rabies postexposure prophylaxis--Connecticut, 1990-1994

In Connecticut, the first case of animal rabies associated with the ongoing raccoon rabies epizootic was identified in March 1991; since then, cases of animal rabies have been confirmed in all eight counties of the state. Because of heightened awareness of the potential for rabies and the nearly always fatal outcome of this disease, the numbers of persons in Connecticut receiving rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) was suspected to have increased substantially during 1990-1994. In Connecticut, PEP is administered with pharmaceuticals obtained through retail channels. In 1994, the Connecticut Department of Public Health surveyed Connecticut hospitals and the two pharmaceutical manufacturers that produce human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) to estimate the number of persons receiving PEP during 1990-1994 and the costs associated with treatment. This report summarizes the survey findings, which suggest an increasing trend in the administration of PEP in Connecticut corresponding with the statewide spread of raccoon rabies.