Citation

Hatz CF, Bidaux JM, Eichenberger K, Mikulics U, Junghanss T. Vaccine 1995; 13(9): 811-815.

Affiliation

Medical Department, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7483802

Abstract

Little is known about rabies exposure among expatriates living in warm climates. Recommendations on pre-exposure prophylaxis are therefore controversial. This study assesses the post-exposure management of Swiss and German expatriates after potential rabies exposures. Dogs were involved in 69% of all incidents. Less than half of the owned dogs were vaccinated against rabies. Only 24-30% of post-exposure treatments were correct according to WHO recommendations. Expatriates with pre-exposure vaccination appear to be complacent about post-exposure treatment. The decision to give pre-exposure vaccination to expatriates in warm climate countries or to rely on post-exposure rabies vaccination depends on the available quality of treatment and must be carefully assessed prior to a stay abroad. Information on rabies risk must be better disseminated and vaccination of owned animals improved.

Language: en