Human rabies in Tianjin, China.

BACKGROUND

Human rabies has recently re-emerged as a significant public health threat in Tianjin, China.

METHODS

Using surveillance data compiled by the Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we describe 60 cases of human rabies reported from 2005 to 2011 in the municipality of Tianjin, China.

RESULTS

All 60 cases of human rabies resulted in death. Cases were primarily male (80%), middle aged (mean 40.6 years), and exposed to rabies in a rural setting (82%). Most exposures were associated with dog bites (93%) and no animal had a history of rabies vaccination; no cases were laboratory confirmed. Fifteen percent of patients sought medical attention for their wound, and none received a complete regimen of WHO-recommended post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the need for China's public health authority to improve animal rabies surveillance and control strategies through laboratory case confirmation, more rapid response to potential exposures with provision of appropriate PEP, and education to the public and to health care providers on identifying and reducing rabies risk.