Tamashiro Hiko, Matibag Gino C, Ditangco Rossana A, Kanda Koji, Ohbayashi Yoshi
Department of Global Health and Epidemiology, Division of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638 Japan.
Travel Med Infect Dis. 2007 Sep;5(5):263-75. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2007.06.003. Epub 2007 Aug 23.
Since 1957 Japan has successfully eradicated human and animal rabies through registration, confinement and compulsory vaccination of family dogs, and elimination of stray dogs. However, in November 2006, two cases of human rabies infections were reported in the country. These patients were bitten by dogs during travel in the Philippines, and did not receive pre- and post-exposure prophylaxes. With the mounting numbers of Japanese travelers every year, the risk of infection increases especially to those who visit regions where the disease is endemic. In this paper, we shall discuss the two recent human deaths from rabies, review the current situation and control measures in Japan and surrounding countries where the disease is prevalent, summarize precautionary measures for travelers, and suggest public health strategies to prevent the re-introduction of rabies in the country.
