Rabies postexposure prophylaxis, New York, 1995-2000.
The epidemiology of human rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in 4 upstate New York counties was described from data obtained from 2,216 incidences of PEP recorded by local health departments from 1995 to 2000. Overall annual incidence for the study period was 27 cases per 100,000 persons. Mean annual PEP incidence rates were highest in rural counties and during the summer months. PEP incidence was highest among patients 5-9 and 30-34 years of age. Bites accounted for most PEP (51%) and were primarily associated with cats and dogs. Bats accounted for 30% of exposures, more than any other group of animals; consequently, bats have replaced raccoons as the leading rabies exposure source to humans in this area.
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. asi5@cdc.gov
Jesse D
JD
Blanton
Nadine Y
NY
Bowden
Millicent
M
Eidson
Jeffrey D
JD
Wyatt
Cathleen A
CA
Hanlon
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D011819:Rabies Vaccines