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Human rabies in Lebanon: lessons for control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2000

A. R. BIZRI
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, PO Box 113-6044, Beirut, Lebanon
A. AZAR
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, PO Box 113-6044, Beirut, Lebanon
N. SALAM
Affiliation:
Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Ministry of Public Health, Hussein Mansour Building, Museum Street, Beirut, Lebanon
J. MOKHBAT
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, PO Box 113-6044, Beirut, Lebanon
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Abstract

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Human rabies is known to be endemic in countries bordering Lebanon, but its prevalence in Lebanon has not been studied before. All eight cases of human rabies reported to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health between 1991 and 1999 were reviewed, as well as three other cases admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center. A total of 1102 cases of animal bites to humans, the majority of which were dog bites, were reported to the Ministry of Public Health between 1991 and 1996. In this period, 2487 doses of rabies vaccine were administered to the above group, as post-exposure prophylaxis. Veterinarians, a high risk and educated group, were interviewed, and only 7 out of 72 were found to have been vaccinated. Major improvements in surveillance and reporting, better control of animal rabies, more awareness especially among high risk groups, and regional cooperation, are all needed to prevent and control this deadly infection.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2000 Cambridge University Press