[Rabies control in Brazil from 1980 to 1990]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Public health surveillance

Context:

• The National Program for Rabies Prevention was implemented nationwide in Brazil between 1980 and 1990.
• This decade saw significant shifts in rabies epidemiology within the country.

Purpose:

• To present the epidemiological situation of rabies in Brazil from 1980 to 1990.
• To describe control actions and their outcomes during this period.

Summary:

• Rabies cases in humans and canines decreased by 78% and 90% respectively, during the study period.
• However, rabies began to re-emerge towards the end of the decade, particularly in the Northeast region.
• Human rabies transmitted by bats increased, representing 15.1% of cases in 1990.

Impact:

• The program successfully reduced rabies incidence, vaccinating millions of animals annually.
• Development of risk area indicators is crucial for ongoing epidemiological control.
• Despite successes, the resurgence highlights the need for sustained rabies prevention efforts.