VIGILANCIA DE RABIA EN CÓRDOBA ARGENTINA

Conferencia; Rabies in the America - RITA - 2018; 2018

The present study reports the effect of surveillance system strengthening in the prevention and control of rabies in Córdoba (2017-2018), Argentina.In 2017, we tested 127 samples, 15 (11.8%) were positive for rabies virus (27.8% animals of economic importance (AIE), 8.3% felines, 13.3% bats and 3% dogs). In 2018, 201 samples were analized, 30 (14.9%) were positive (37.5% AIE, 16.4% bats and 4.8% dogs). All cases were confirmed at least by two different tests. The increase of positive cases in AIE, in the northwest of Córdoba, represents a problem of economic importance in this region. Variant 3 was identified in all AIE and hematophagous bats and variant 4 in non-hematophagous bats, dogs and cats.Otherwise, we registered 192 bitten people in 2018, 41% were derived for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while in 44% of the cases the animals antirabic observation could be performed. The remaining 15% refused to follow the procedures. Most of accidents were reported in central zone of Córdoba and the lower limbs were the main areas of the bites. It was also observed that canines are the primary responsible for contact (94.8%). With respect to control actions, in Córdoba 353 PEP were registered (100 more than in 2017).The increase observed in number of samples, bitten people and PEP, was probably due to surveillance system improvements carried out. However, other issues continue representing a system weakness, such as bitten people who refuse to follow the procedures, underreporting of people who do not have information or access to health system and the high number of stray dogs. It is necessary to give special attention to rabies as an important emerging and re-emerging disease. Consequently, the surveillance of Rabies in Córdoba should continue to intensify the prevention and action measures in order to achieve the control of this zoonoses.