Public Health Impact of Reemergence of Rabies, New York

摘要

This report summarizes the spread of a raccoon rabies epizootic into New York in the 1990s, the speciesof animals affected, and human postexposure treatments (PET). A total of 57,008 specimens were submit-ted to the state laboratory from 1993 to 1998; 8,858 (16%) animals were confirmed rabid, with raccoonsthe most common species (75%). After exposure to 11,769 animals, 18,238 (45%) persons received PET,mostly because of contact with saliva or nervous tissue. We analyzed expenditure reports to estimate thecost of rabies prevention activities. An estimated $13.9 million was spent in New York State to preventrabies from 1993 to 1998. Traditional prevention methods such as vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife, andverifying an animal's rabies status must be continued to reduce costly PET. To reduce rabid animals, expo-sures, and costs, oral vaccination of wildlife should also be considered