Rabies in France: an update.

Introduction. - In 1996 rabies was responsible for more than 35,000 deaths worldwide. Three cases of human rabies that had been contracted abroad were diagnosed in France during the same year. Cases notified in 1997 followed exposure outside the country. Fox, bat, and dog rabies are reviewed on the basis of the latest epidemiological data obtained in France. Current knowledge and key points. - Two cases of fox rabies diagnosed in 19 98 occurred at the border between France and Germany; thus preventing five French departments bordering Germany from being officially declared rabies- free in 1999. The campaigns for oral immunization of foxes that are led sin ce 1986 are responsible for the decrease in rabies incidence. Though not we ll known, bat rabies is a reality in France, involving either European viru s strains (five cases all over the country) or African virus strains that a re carried along by imported tropical bats. Dogs rabies is also today an im ported disease. Future prospects and projects. - The decrease in risk for rabies has result ed from the conjuction of multiple efforts: extensive programs aimed at ora l vaccination of foxes in France and its neighboring countries, efficient e pidemiological survey, sanitary controls at borders, ban on importing tropi cal bats. Futhermore, recommendations for preventive pre-exposure immunizat ion have recently been changed, leading to modifications of the French lice nsing form. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.