Rabies in Iraq: trends in human cases 2001-2010 and characterisation of animal rabies strains from Baghdad.

ABSTRACT: Control of rabies requires a consistent supply of dependable resources, constructive cooperation between veterinary and public health authorities, and systematic surveillance. These are challenging in any circumstances, but particularly during conflict. Here we describe available human rabies surveillance data from Iraq, results of renewed sampling for rabies in animals, and the first genetic characterisation of circulating rabies strains from Iraq. Human rabies is notifiable, with reported cases increasing since 2003, and a marked increase in Baghdad between 2009 and 2010. These changes coincide with increasing numbers of reported dog bites. There is no laboratory confirmation of disease or virus characterisation and no systematic surveillance for rabies in animals. To address these issue

SUBMITTER: Horton DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3585036 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature