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Human Rabies in Washington State
Two human cases of rabies have been reported in
Washington in the past 50 years, one in 1995 and one in 1997
(MMWR 1997;46(33):770–4). Both were due to bat rabies
variants.
Bats are the
primary reservoir for rabies in Washington State. Bats carrying
rabies have been found in almost every county in Washington
State. Current information on rabies in Washington is located at
http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/Epidemiology/CD/ci/rabies.htm. In other parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico,
reservoirs include foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, and dogs. Rabies is almost invariably fatal despite
treatment; post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be considered
for exposed individuals.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To assist in the diagnosis of human cases of rabies.
- To identify persons potentially exposed to a human
rabies patient and provide counseling about postexposure
prophylaxis (PEP).
- To offer PEP to others
who may have been exposed to the same source as the patient.
Legal Reporting Requirements
- Health care providers: immediately notifiable to
local health jurisdiction.
- Hospitals:
immediately notifiable to local health jurisdiction.
- Laboratories:
immediately notifiable to local health jurisdiction;
specimen submission required.
- Local
health jurisdiction: notifiable to DOH Communicable
Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) within 7 days of
case investigation completion or summary information
required within 21 days.
Last
update
May 2008 |
