Accidental exposure of veterinary students to rabies
Russell, L.H.; Goswick, C.B.; Flowers, A.I.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 171(11): 1184-1186
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 924837 Document Number: 124193
Between 1970 and 1977 over 200 students suffered accidental exposure by contact with animals which had rabies, but showed no clinical signs, and were only diagnosed after death. Students who had not received adequate immunisation were treated by an injection of antirabies serum and 23 injections of duck-embryo vaccine; otherwise booster injections of DEV were adequate. Increased awareness of rabies in wildlife, and diagnosis of atypical cases was needed. Also the dangers of using animals without a vaccination history for teaching purposes was noted. Samples of brain tissue of all animals should be kept for possible histological examination by fluorescent antibody procedures. Immunisation of all students before starting the course was recommended.