Rabies and Its Present Situation in Iran

Rabies is one of the infectious diseases, highly fatal and true zoonoses. The disease occurs in most countries. In Iran, rabies is endemic and a major public health Problem. The most warm- blooded animals are susceptible to rabies. The methods of transmission is almost always by the bite of an infected animal to human and animals. The saliva of rabid animal contains the rabies virus. The main source animals are dog, wolf, wild carnivores and fox. Today, there are three hundred anti rabies treatment centers in Iran for Post- exposure treatment. During the year 2004, 113542 Persons have been treated in anti rabies Post- exposure centers. According to Pasteur institute of Iran, 418 Positive cases of animal rabies and 3 cases of human rabies in 2001, 350 positive cases of animal and 6 cases of human in 2002, 309 positive cases of animal and 10 cases of human in 2003, and 320 positive cases of animal and 5 cases of human rabies in 2004 have been confirmed in all parts of country. Due to the increasing trend of animal bite and positive cases of animal and human, it is important that the responsible authorities of the government do effective control measures in rabies combat.