Retrospective Evaluation of Potential Rabies Exposure Cases Over Nine Years: Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Introduction: T & uuml;rkiye is the only European country where suspected rabies exposure from animal contact is a significant public health concern. In this study, we evaluate cases investigated in our vaccination center, where individuals with suspected rabies exposure have been seeking consultation for many years. The evaluation encompasses demographic characteristics, distribution by years and seasons, the type of animal involved in the contact, the prevalence of stray animals, and the rabies vaccination status of owned animals. Materials and Methods: The study involves cases reported to the Public Health Center from those who sought consultation at our center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2019. Demographic characteristics, distribution by years and seasons, the type of animal involved in the contact, the prevalence of stray animals, and the rabies vaccination status of owned animals were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Over the nine years, there were a total of 39.731 cases, resulting in an average of 4414 cases per year. Of these cases, 61% were male, and 68.83% were between the ages of 15 and 64. The most cases occurred in summer and autumn. Of the suspected rabies contacts, 69% involved dogs, and 83.4% of these dogs were unowned. Forty-one point eight percent of the owned dogs were vaccinated. Eighty-nine point six percent of the cats were unowned, and the rate of vaccination among the owned cats was 28.2%. Over the years, there has been a decrease in the use of the 10 -day observation approach, while an increase in the administration of rabies vaccine and/or immunoglobulin has been observed. Conclusion: Seventy percent of all risky rabies contacts involve dogs, with a high rate of 84% of these dogs being unowned. To mitigate contact involving the risk of rabies, addressing the uncontrolled reproduction of stray animals, particularly dogs, and ensuring control and vaccination of the existing animal population appear to be primary measures. Improving the vaccination rate of owned animals, currently at only 30-40%, can prevent people from encountering risky rabies contacts, thereby potentially reducing the need for rabies prophylaxis significantly.