[Sylvatic rabies: a pediatric problem?].

Rabies epizooty has been recently reported from several Italian provinces: Bolzano, Udine, Belluno, Brescia, sondrio, Varese, Como and Bergamo. The rate of spread of the infection through wild animals has been estimated in 50 Km/year. We have reviewed the fundamental characters or rabies virus, the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of disease. Furthermore the fundamental guidelines of passive and active immunization will be stressed with spread emphasis to the pre-exposition active immunization in children-living in high risk areas.