Rabies: An old disease of new importance

• Published in: Clinical microbiology newsletter Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 1 - 4
• Main Author: Kirby, Robin E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 1995
• Subjects: Procyon lotor
• ISSN: 0196-4399; 1873-4391
• DOI: 10.1016/0196-4399(95)80044-1

Although rabies is an old disease, it has recently gained new importance in this country due to its rapid spread in wild raccoon populations in the eastern U.S. At this time, it is unclear whether we are now in the incipient phases of an historically unprecedented health care epizootic. Given the potential risks involved, further research efforts into the areas of genetically engineered vaccines and wild animal containment programs may now be warranted. Diagnostic techniques, such as PCR, might soon be needed to detect virus in the early asymptomatic stages of disease. Finally, continuing education on the nature and course of the disease for healthcare workers may soon become mandatory, particularly in affected areas.