Rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease which infects domestic and wild animals. It is transmitted to other animals and humans through close contact with saliva from infected animals (i.e. bites, scratches, licks on broken skin and mucous membranes). Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans.

Approximately 55 000 people die from rabies each year. The vast majority of these deaths occur in Asia and Africa. Children are at particular risk. Annually, more than 10 million people, mostly in Asia, receive post-exposure vaccination against the disease.

Two types of vaccines to protect against rabies in humans exist - nerve tissue and cell culture vaccines. The nerve tissue vaccines cause more reactions subsequent to administration and are less potent, but also less expensive, than cell culture vaccines. WHO recommends replacement of nerve tissue vaccines with the more efficacious, safer vaccines developed through cell culture. It also advises that cell culture vaccines that have been specifically authorized for intradermal immunization represent an acceptable alternative to standard administration by the intramuscular route. Administration through the intradermal route should be considered in settings where cell culture vaccines are unaffordable and/or in short supply. Periodic booster injections of rabies vaccine for persons whose occupation puts them at continuous or frequent risk of rabies exposure are advised.

WHO Position Papers

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Last updated: 25 January 2008