Antirabies treatment in man in relation to epidemiological conditions: Nordrhein-Westfalen 1972.

By means of a questionnaire, official animal disease reports and complementary interviews, the epidemiological situation was comparied in each district of the Land with the post-exposure treatment as practised by the physicians. A close relationship was found between the occurrence of rabies and the geographical distribution of antirabies treatment. This relationship was mainly due to the fact that the majority of patients received antirabies treatment after rabies had been diagnosed in the animal. In 50% of persons showing no visible lesions at the site of exposure, treatment was not started until the fourth day after exposure. About 50% of patients reporting bites or scratches received specific treatment on the day of exposure or the following day. There was no significant correlation between severity of exposure and number of vaccine doses given. To improve the immediate treatment, including local treatment of wounds, to provide the best treatment where actually needed and to avoid unnecessary treatments, it is suggested that a central advisory service be established in Nordrhein-Westfalen which should be contacted immediately by physicians in case of rabies exposure.