Epidemiology of Rabies
Rabies is primarily a disease of non-human animals. It appears that any mammal species can develop rabies. The prevalence of rabies in specific animal species varies greatly by geographical region. Knowing which animals are most likely to be rabid in a given location is essential to implementing appropriate preventive and post-exposure measures.
Animal Rabies Outside of the United States
Rabies has traditionally been associated with dogs more than any other animal, and in parts of the world where domestic animal control and vaccination programs are limited, dogs remain the most important reservoir of the disease. Other domestic and farm animals can be rabid, too, though, and rabies occurs in a variety of wild animal species found in other countries. Consequently, persons who have been bitten by any animal in another country should be fully evaluated as soon as possible by health authorities in that country and by their personal physician in the United States. Local health departments can assist Washington physicians with this evaluation.
"Rabies-free" Locations: Rabies does not occur in all parts of the world. The CDC's "Health Information for International Travel" (The Yellow Book) contains information about the worldwide distribution of rabies. Since these conditions are constantly subject to change, providers evaluating animal encounters that occur outside the United States should contact their local health department or the CDC Division of Quarantine (404.639.3311) for the most up-to-date information.
Figure 1 shows a Mexican poster warning of the risks of rabies from dog bites. Courtesy of the Ministry of Health, Mexico City.
En caso de mordedura siga usted las siguientes indicaciones:
Lave inmediatamente la herida con abundante agua y jabòn.
NO MATE al animal agresor.
Amárrelo o enjáulelo y manténgalo en observación durante 10 dias.
Acuda lo mas pronto posible al servicio médico (SSA, IMSS, ISSSTE, etc.) mas cercano y siga las indicaciones que le de ei médico.
