Rabies and its prevention in people

In the Prophylactic Rabies Centre in Bialystok 938 people were examined in the years 1992-1995. They were bitten or slobbered on by animals suspected of being rabid. After verification 230 people (24.52%) were qualified for vaccinations. The animals suspected were unknown dogs (38.2%), red foxes (25.28%), cats (10.67%), rats and cattle (each species - 7.87%). Rabies was confirmed in 74 animals (47.57%). The highest percentage of rabies was found in wild animals: racoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) 100%, red foxes 95.56%, and only 5.88 in dogs and 15% in cats. Hands (60.52%) and shanks (29.61%) were the most frequently injured parts of the body. Out of the people vaccinated 62.17% were men and 37.83% women; 61.74% were inhabitants of villages and 38.26% of towns. Vaccinations were performed on day 0, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 90. No serious side effects were observed in the process of immunization.