RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To better understand the epidemiology of rabies during the past ten years in Yancheng city, Jiangsu province. METHODS: Data was collected and analyzed on rabies cases in Yancheng. Density and vaccination rate on Canine, Rate of injured people bit by dogs, and the information of post-exposure prophylaxis were studied. Rabies virus in the dog brains, collected around the epidemic areas of Yancheng, were detected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 135 human rabies cases occurred from 1999 through 2008, and formed the second epidemic peak since 1958. Of these victims, 84% (114) were farmers. In general, the rate of people having dogs were 3% - 6% per 100 people, and the injured person-times of 100 dogs were 6.37 per year. Notably, the vaccination rate of dogs was only 20%. Of those people injured by dogs and other animals, 77% had received post-exposure treatment, and only 5% - 10% had been administered anti-rabies serum. Rabies virus antigen was found in 4 (3.6%) of 111 brain specimens among dogs collected from epidemic areas. Genetic analysis of N and G genes, which were amplified from brain specimens, indicated that these viruses belong to genotype I rabies and expressing a close relationship with the Chinese vaccine strain CTN. CONCLUSION: The large number of dogs with low vaccination rate among them, together with the incorrect and low post-exposure treatment in rural areas seemed to be responsible for the outbreak of rabies in Yancheng city.