[Outbreak of urban rabies transmitted by dogs in Santa Marta, northern Colombia].

Introduction: An urban rabies outbreak occurred in the District of Santa Marta between April 2006 and January 2008, which resulted in the deaths of 4 humans and 28 dogs.

Objectives: Three objectives were entertained-first, the diagnostic laboratory techniques were described as well as the rabies control actions taken; second, the impact of anti-rabies dog vaccination was assessed in terms of neutralizing antibody seroconversion; and third, the epidemiological significance and public health implications of the outbreak were examined.

Materials And Methods: Rabies diagnosis was achieved by direct immunofluorescence, inoculation of mice and immunohistochemistry.