Profile of human anti-rabies care and post-exposure prophylaxis in the state of São Paulo

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2023 Mar 27:56:e0473-2022. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0473-2022. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Background: Rabies is an anthropozoonosis that greatly impacts public health and is transmitted by infected mammals. Aggression by animals is notifiable and may result in anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This study aimed to characterize anti-rabies PEP notifications in São Paulo state, Brazil.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using data provided by the SINAN between 2013 and 2017.

Results: A total of 572,889 aggressions were recorded during the study period, characterized mostly by dogs (83.5%), single wounds (56.9%), superficial wounds (58.6%), and hands/feet (34.6%).

Conclusions: Animal observation was the most frequent recommendation, even in cases of attacks from non-domestic animals.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bites and Stings* / complications
  • Brazil
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Public Health
  • Rabies* / prevention & control