Epidemiological characters and clinical features of human rabies in Tianjin, 2005-2017

Abstract

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human cases of rabies in Tianjin during 2005-2017, so as to provide scientific basis for the disease control. Methods The epidemiological data of human cases of rabies from 2005 to 2017 in Tianjin were collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The epidemics of rabies and clinical features of human cases were described. Results Eighty-five human cases of rabies were reported in Tianjin from 2005-2017 and the annual incidence was 0.05/100 000. Rabies cases were reported every month. The majority of cases were farmers and migrant workers, especially males (male-to-female ratio: 3.3:1). Patients of 45-59 years old accounted for 50.6% of all the cases. Seventy-eight cases were exposed by dog bites while none of these dogs were vaccinated. Hand was the most common exposure site (62.5%, 50/80). After exposure, 46.3% (37/80) of the patients did nothing for the wounds. Only 1 case received properly standardized PEP. The incubation period was from 9.0 to 1 461.0 days and the median value was 60.5 days. There was statistically significant difference in average incubation period of different exposure sites (H=17.80, P<0.001). Conclusions Rural area was still the most important site for prevention and control of human cases of rabies in Tianjin. Health education on rabies and construction of standardized post-exposure prophylaxis clinics are the effective measures. Key words: Rabies; Epidemiology; Post-exposure prophylaxis clinics