[Rabies in Poland in 2010]

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological situation of rabies in Poland in 2010.

Material and methods: The evaluation was based on analysis of data submitted by voivodship sanitary stations survey which included information on people who had been vaccinated for rabies following exposure in Poland and other countries. Additional data from the yearly bulletin "Infectious Diseases and food poisoning in Poland" between the years 2009-2010 (MP Czarkowski i in., PZH and GIS) and epizoonotic data provided by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate was used.

Results: In 2010 in Poland, 152 cases of animal rabies were reported. The majority of animals came from Małopolskie voivodship where from June 2010 an increase in the number of cases of animal rabies was observed. Rabies cases reported among terrestrial animals, as in previous years, also occurred in Lublin and Podkarpackie voivodships. One case was also observed in Mazowieckie voivodship. In other regions of the country isolated cases of bat rabies were recorded. In 2010, a total of 7,243 people were vaccinated against rabies of which 261 (3.6%) were due to exposure of an animal that was confirmed to have rabies. Among people who were vaccinated due to contact with animals where rabies infection was confirmed, a total of 92 (more than 35%) were as a result of fox contact. However as reported in previous years the majority of people were vaccinated after exposure to animals, mainly dogs and cats, among whom rabies could not be ruled out- 6326 people (over 87%). In 2010, 106 people were vaccinated as a result of possible exposure to rabies in other countries.

Conclusions: Despite an increase in the number of rabies cases being observed in Poland, the situation remains under control with a steady decreasing trend being observed. This decrease is a direct consequence of the implementation of the oral vaccination of wild animals which was introduced to Poland in 1993. There is a visible, albeit slower, decrease in the number of people being vaccinated against rabies among people who came into contact with animals potentially infected with the virus.