title: Epidemiology of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis--United States of America, 2006-2008.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The United States of America (USA) does not have a national reporting system for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). We describe the epidemiology of PEP in the USA so recommendations can be made during a PEP shortage.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-part questionnaire designed to evaluate PEP distribution practices and estimate PEP use was administered to state health department representatives.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-five percent of participants responded that no public health guidance was needed to make a recommendation for PEP. The annual national average PEP use is 23,415 courses of PEP (range: 10,645-35,845).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PEP is loosely monitored and a precise estimate of PEP use is unknown. Improved national surveillance for PEP is needed.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Workforce and Career Development, Career Development Division, Epidemic Intelligence Service, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. dot9@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Kira A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Christian
authors.forename: Jesse D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Blanton
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Auslander
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Rupprecht
mesh_terms: D004363:Drug Utilization; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D056990:Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; D011818:Rabies / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology