Epidemiological Analysis of Rabies in Central China from 2013 to 2018

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to timely grasp the epidemiologic status of rabies in Central China from 2013 to 2018 and provide scientific evidence for the implementation of follow-up prevention and control measures. METHODS: We initiated a retrospective observational and descriptive study of bite-related injuries data and rabies disease data in Hubei province from 2013 to 2018, managed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: A total of 2,028,691 individuals were exposed to bites from 2013 to 2018, of which 221 were diagnosed with rabies and deceased. Among those cases, the incubation periods of rabies varied from 3 days to 18,406 days, which has been shown to be statistically associated with where the infected person was exposed and whether the wound care has been conducted. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological studies have shown that from 2013 to 2018, the current situation of rabies in Central China is still severe. The case fatality rate keeps virtually 100%. The rural population is still the most vulnerable group to rabies, characterized by a high exposure ratio and low treatment rate as well as poor vaccination compliance. Hoewever, larger populations are warranted to validate our findings.