Rabies postexposure prophylaxis, Marseille, France, 1994-2005.

The administration of human rabies postexposure prophylaxis near Marseille (southern France) has changed since the eradication of terrestrial mammal rabies in 2001. Most injuries were associated with indigenous dogs; rabies vaccine was overprescribed. We suggest that the World Health Organization guidelines be adapted for countries free of terrestrial mammal rabies.

Rabies postexposure prophylaxis in returned injured travelers from France, Australia, and New Zealand: a retrospective study.

Background: There is little published information available describing rabies pre- and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in tourists returning to their home country and seeking care for animal-associated injuries, especially those associated with a rabies risk.

Method: We analyzed 261 travelers seeking care on returning to their home country following an animal-related injury acquired abroad. Information on individual cases of rabies (PEP) including preexposure status, type of contact with a potentially rabid animal, type of animal, and the nature of rabies PEP was collected by retrospectively analyzing records from May 1997 to May 2005.

Animal-associated injuries and related diseases among returned travellers: a review of the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network.

Background: Increased travel to exotic destinations around the world is escalating the risk of exposure to animal-associated injuries with a risk of acquiring rabies.

Methods: We have examined data reported to GeoSentinel Surveillance Network to highlight characteristics of animal-associated injuries in travellers.

Results: A total of 320 cases were reported from 1998 to 2005.