CIRCUMSTANCES AND MANAGEMENT OF 72 ANIMAL BITES AMONG LONG-TERM RESIDENTS IN THE TROPICS

Little is known about rabies exposure among expatriates living in warm climates. Recommendations on pre-exposure prophylaxis are therefore c ontroversial. This study assesses the post-exposure management of Swis s and German expatriates after potential rabies exposures. Dogs were i nvolved in 69% of all incidents. Less than half of the owned dogs were vaccinated against rabies. Only 24-30% of post-exposure treatments we re correct according to WHO recommendations Expatriates with pre-expos ure vaccination appear to be complacent about post-exposure treatment. The decision to give pre-exposure vaccination to expatriates in warm climate countries or to rely on post-exposure rabies vaccination depen ds on the available qualify of treatment and must be carefully assesse d prior to a stay abroad Information on rabies risk must be better dis seminated and vaccination of owned animals improved.