Rabies in Poland in 2000
Sadkowska-Todys, Młgorzata.; Czerwiński, Mł.; Łabuńska, E.
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny 56(2): 339-347
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2100 PMID: 12371370 Document Number: 543785
In 2000, the first case of human rabies since 1986 was reported in Poland. The case-patient was bitten by a cat and did not receive post-exposure treatment. Mass oral vaccination of wild animals against rabies, which was introduced in 1993, showed a positive impact on the epizootic situation of rabies in Poland. However, a two-fold increase in animal rabies cases was observed. The sources of wild and domestic animal rabies were present in the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern parts of the country, uncovered by oral vaccination. Of 9210 persons vaccinated against rabies, 2587 (19%) were bitten by or were in contact with a rabid animal. The main reason for rabies vaccination were contacts with animals belonging to category C (rabies not excluded, 5741 cases; 62%) or category D (animals healthy during the exposition, 882 cases; 10%).