Public Veterinary Medicine: Public Health Rabies Surveillance in the United States During 2001

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Public Veterinary Medicine: Public Health Rabies Surveillance in the United States During 2001 2002pvmkrebs.qxd 12/4/2002 2:11 PM Page 1690 Public Veterinary Medicine: Public Health Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2001 John W. Krebs, MS; Heather R. Noll, MPH; Charles E. Rupprecht, VMD, PhD; James E. Childs, ScD Summary: During 2001, 49 states and Puerto Rico reported abies in the United States and other developed 7,437 cases of rabies in nonhuman animals and 1 case in a nations is primarily a disease that affects and is human being to the Centers for Disease Control and R Prevention, an increase of < 1% from 7,364 cases in nonhu- maintained by wildlife populations (Fig 1). During man animals and 5 human cases reported in 2000. More than 2001, wild animals accounted for more than 93% of all 93% (6,939 cases) were in wild animals, whereas 6.7% (497 cases of rabies reported to the Centers for Disease cases) were in domestic species (compared with 93.0% in Control and Prevention (CDC). Although the wildlife wild animals and 6.9% in domestic species in 2000). The number of cases reported in 2001 increased among bats, species most frequently reported rabid remain rac- cats, skunks, rodents/lagomorphs, and swine and decreased coons, skunks, bats, and foxes, the relative contribu- among dogs, cattle, foxes, horses/mules, raccoons, and tions of those species have continued to change in sheep/goats. The relative contributions of the major groups recent decades (Fig 2) because of fluctuations in epi- of animals were as follows: raccoons (37.2%; 2,767 cases), zootics of rabies among animals infected with several skunks (30.7%; 2,282), bats (17.2%; 1,281), foxes (5.9%; 1 437), cats (3.6%; 270), dogs (1.2%; 89), and cattle (1.1%; distinct variants of the rabies virus. 82). Nine of the 19 states where the raccoon-associated vari- Vaccination campaigns and other rabies-control ant of the rabies virus has been enzootic reported decreases programs implemented during the 1940s and 1950s in the numbers of rabid raccoons during 2001. Among states with extensive wildlife rabies control pro- caused a substantial decline of rabies in domestic ani- grams, Ohio reported (other than rabies in bats) 1 case of rabies mals in the United States and all but eliminated the cir- in a raccoon that was associated with the epizootic of rabies in culation of canine variants of the rabies virus in dogs raccoons and 1 case in a bovid that was infected with a bat vari- (Canis lupus, formerly known as C familiaris) by the ant of the rabies virus, compared with no cases reported in any terrestrial animals during 2000. Texas reported 1 case associat- 1960s. Programs initiated to interrupt transmission of a ed with the dog/coyote variant of the rabies virus (compared canine variant that re-emerged in south Texas during with no cases in 2000) and 20 cases associated with the gray the late 1970s and early 1980s have substantially fox variant of the virus (a decrease of 50% from reported cases reduced the spread of this variant, maintained in unvac- in 2000). Reports of rabid skunks in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, states with enzootic raccoon rabies, exceeded reports of cinated dogs and coyotes (Canis latrans), as well as a rabid raccoons for the fifth consecutive year. A similar situation second canine variant found mainly in gray foxes may soon exist in the state of Maine (32 rabid skunks and 34 (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in west and central Texas. rabid raccoons during 2001). Regulations now in place in Texas and other states that Nationally, the number of rabies cases in skunks during 2001 increased by 2.7% over those reported in 2000. Texas prohibit translocation of certain wild animal species for reported the greatest number of rabid skunks ever documented hunting and other restocking purposes have substan- during a single year by any state, as well as the greatest numer- tially reduced the likelihood of accidental introductions ical increase in rabid skunks (778 cases in 2001, compared with of rabies virus variants into unaffected areas.1-3 550 in 2000; an increase of 228 cases, or 41.5%) and the largest overall state total of rabies cases (1,043) during 2001. Arizona Various public health activities have contributed to reported the greatest percentage increase in rabid skunks reduced transmission of rabies virus from terrestrial (247.1%), representing an increase from 17 rabid skunks in animals to human beings. These activities have includ- 2000 to 59 in 2001. Nineteen of these cases were infected with ed vaccination of domestic animals, vaccination pro- a bat variant of the rabies virus, documenting a spillover event grams targeting wildlife, and ongoing education pro- followed by unprecedented detection of temporal enzootic 4 transmission of a bat variant in a terrestrial species. The number grams. However, a small but increasing number of of cases of rabies reported in bats during 2001 (1,281 cases) rabies cases in human beings have resulted from infec- increased 3.3% and surpassed the previous year’s record (1,240 cases) as the largest number of reported cases ever recorded for this group of mammals. Cases of rabies reported in dogs (89) From the Viral and Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Viral and cattle (82) decreased by 21.9 and 1.2%, respectively; these and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, are the lowest numbers reported for rabid cattle and dogs since Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, the dawn of national rabies record keeping (ca 1938). Cases in Atlanta, GA 30333. cats (270) increased by 8.4% over those reported in 2000, The authors thank the state and territorial health and agriculture depart- whereas rabies among sheep and goats declined 70%, from 10 ments and laboratories for their contributions of rabies surveillance cases in 2000 to 3 cases (goats only) in 2001. Rabies among data; the governments of Canada and Mexico for supplying sum- horses and mules declined 1.9% (52 cases in 2000 to 51 cases maries of rabies surveillance data; Karoyle Colbert, Biometrics in 2001). Reported cases of rabies in mongooses in Puerto Rico Activity, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for increased 18.6%, compared with the previous year (70 cases in Infectious Diseases, and Van Munn, Information Resources 2001 from 59 cases in 2000), whereas cases of rabies in dogs Management Office, Office of Program Services, Office of the Director, declined 15.3% (15 to 13). One case of rabies in a human being Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for assistance with graph- reported by California during 2001 was the result of infection with a canine variant of the rabies virus acquired outside the ics; and John P. O’Connor, Office of the Director, Division of Viral and United States. Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for editing and critical input. 1690 Vet Med Today: Public Veterinary Medicine JAVMA, Vol 221, No. 12, December 15, 2002 2002pvmkrebs.qxd 12/4/2002 2:11 PM Page 1691 Figure 1—Cases of animal rabies in the United States, by year, Figure 3—Distribution of major terrestrial reservoirs of rabies in 1955 to 2001. the United States. through transmission of the virus into previously unin- fected populations.9,10 Natural barriers such as moun- tain ranges or bodies of water that restrict animal movements or result in low population densities can slow the spread of rabies. Nevertheless, unusual animal dispersal patterns and human-mediated translocation of infected animals have resulted in more rapid and unexpected introduction of rabies into new areas.1-3,8-10 Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have been recognized as a reservoir for rabies in the southeastern states since the 1950s. An outbreak that began during the late 1970s in the mid-Atlantic states was attributed to the translocation by humans of infected raccoons from the Southeast.11 Although previously identifiable as sepa- rate foci (prior to 1994), the mid-Atlantic and south- Figure 2—Cases of rabies in wild animals in the United States, by year and species, 1955 to 2001. eastern foci have merged, and raccoon rabies is now enzootic in all of the eastern coastal states as well as Alabama, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia, and tion with variants of the rabies virus associated with possibly Ohio. 5,6 bats, a wildlife group difficult to target for rabies con- At least 3 variants of rabies virus are responsible trol by conventional methods. Prevention of rabies for disease in skunks (primarily Mephitis mephitis) in resulting from infection with bat-associated variants is California and the north central and south central further challenged by the frequent absence of exposure states. A long-standing reservoir for rabies virus exists histories involving a bat bite. Since 1990, 24 of 26 in red and arctic foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Alopex lago- human cases of indigenously acquired rabies were asso- pus, respectively) in Alaska. Rabies spread during the ciated, by genetic analysis, with variants of the rabies 1950s to affect foxes across Canada and, intermittent- virus maintained by bats. Only 2 of these cases involved ly, foxes in adjoining areas of the New England states. 2,5,6 a report of a definite history of animal bite. The Rabies persists in foxes in Alaska, although reports of most likely route of infection remains transmission by rabid foxes have declined in Canada. Two variants of bite during contact with a bat that either was ignored or rabies virus are present in geographically limited pop- unnoticed and subsequently forgotten. ulations of gray foxes (U cinereoargenteus) in Arizona Rabies infections of terrestrial animals in most and Texas.
Recommended publications
  • Effects of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Amphibians: a Review of Experimental Studies
    diversity Review Effects of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Amphibians: A Review of Experimental Studies Andrew R. Blaustein 1,*, Jenny Urbina 2 ID , Paul W. Snyder 1, Emily Reynolds 2 ID , Trang Dang 1 ID , Jason T. Hoverman 3 ID , Barbara Han 4 ID , Deanna H. Olson 5 ID , Catherine Searle 6 ID and Natalie M. Hambalek 1 1 Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; [email protected] (P.W.S.); [email protected] (T.D.); [email protected] (N.M.H.) 2 Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; [email protected] (J.U.); [email protected] (E.R.) 3 Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; [email protected] 4 Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, NY 12545, USA; [email protected] 5 US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA; [email protected] 6 Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence [email protected]; Tel.: +1-541-737-5356 Received: 25 May 2018; Accepted: 27 July 2018; Published: 4 August 2018 Abstract: Numerous factors are contributing to the loss of biodiversity. These include complex effects of multiple abiotic and biotic stressors that may drive population losses. These losses are especially illustrated by amphibians, whose populations are declining worldwide. The causes of amphibian population declines are multifaceted and context-dependent. One major factor affecting amphibian populations is emerging infectious disease. Several pathogens and their associated diseases are especially significant contributors to amphibian population declines.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison of Immune Responses Following Intradermal and Intramuscular Rabies Vaccination Methods
    J Med Microbiol Infect Dis, 2018, 6 (4): 77-86 DOI: 10.29252/JoMMID.6.4.77 Review Article Comparison of Immune Responses following Intradermal and Intramuscular Rabies Vaccination Methods Mahsa Golahdooz1, Sana Eybpoosh2, Rouzbeh Bashar1, Mahsa Taherizadeh1, Behzad Pourhossein3, Mohammad Reza Shirzadi4, Behzad Amiri4, Maryam Fazeli1* 1Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 4Department of Zoonosis Control, Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran Received Jun. 10, 2018; Accepted Jun. 12, 2019 Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease. The causative agent is a negative-sense RNA genome virus of the genus Lyssavirus (Family: Rhabdoviridae). The disease, commonly transmitted by rabid dogs, is the cause of mortality of over 59000 humans worldwide annually. This disease can be prevented before the development of symptoms through proper vaccination even after exposure. Hence, improvement of the vaccination schedule in the countries where rabies is endemic is essential. In addition to the type of vaccine, injection routes also contribute to enhanced immune responses and increased potency of the vaccines. The vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) include cell culture and embryonated egg-based rabies vaccines (CCEEVs). In order to develop a vaccine against rabies, it is necessary to use an appropriate delivery system to promote a proper antigen-specific immune response. Different routes of injection such as intradermal (ID), intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) are practiced, with controversies over their suitability.
    [Show full text]
  • Key Factors That Enable the Pandemic Potential of RNA Viruses and Inter-Species Transmission: a Systematic Review
    viruses Review Key Factors That Enable the Pandemic Potential of RNA Viruses and Inter-Species Transmission: A Systematic Review Santiago Alvarez-Munoz , Nicolas Upegui-Porras , Arlen P. Gomez and Gloria Ramirez-Nieto * Microbiology and Epidemiology Research Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; [email protected] (S.A.-M.); [email protected] (N.U.-P.); [email protected] (A.P.G.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +57-1-3-16-56-93 Abstract: Viruses play a primary role as etiological agents of pandemics worldwide. Although there has been progress in identifying the molecular features of both viruses and hosts, the extent of the impact these and other factors have that contribute to interspecies transmission and their relationship with the emergence of diseases are poorly understood. The objective of this review was to analyze the factors related to the characteristics inherent to RNA viruses accountable for pandemics in the last 20 years which facilitate infection, promote interspecies jump, and assist in the generation of zoonotic infections with pandemic potential. The search resulted in 48 research articles that met the inclusion criteria. Changes adopted by RNA viruses are influenced by environmental and host-related factors, which define their ability to adapt. Population density, host distribution, migration patterns, and the loss of natural habitats, among others, have been associated as factors in the virus–host interaction. This review also included a critical analysis of the Latin American context, considering its diverse and unique social, cultural, and biodiversity characteristics. The scarcity of scientific information is Citation: Alvarez-Munoz, S.; striking, thus, a call to local institutions and governments to invest more resources and efforts to the Upegui-Porras, N.; Gomez, A.P.; study of these factors in the region is key.
    [Show full text]
  • How Do Viruses Emerge to Cause Epidemics After Spillover?
    Onward transmission of viruses: how do viruses emerge to cause royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rstb epidemics after spillover? Brian R. Wasik1, Emmie de Wit2, Vincent Munster2, James O. Lloyd-Smith3,4, 5 1 Review Luis Martinez-Sobrido and Colin R. Parrish 1Baker Institute for Animal Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Cite this article: Wasik BR, de Wit E, Munster Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA 2 V, Lloyd-Smith JO, Martinez-Sobrido L, Parrish Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA CR. 2019 Onward transmission of viruses: 3Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, how do viruses emerge to cause epidemics CA 9095-7239, USA after spillover? Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 374: 4Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA 5 20190017. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0017 CRP, 0000-0002-1836-6655 The critical step in the emergence of a new epidemic or pandemic viral patho- Accepted: 5 May 2019 gen occurs after it infects the initial spillover host and then is successfully transmitted onwards, causing an outbreak chain of transmission within that One contribution of 20 to a theme issue new host population. Crossing these choke points sets a pathogen on the ‘Dynamic and integrative approaches to pathway to epidemic emergence. While many viruses spill over to infect understanding pathogen spillover’. new or alternative hosts, only a few accomplish this transition—and the reasons for the success of those pathogens are still unclear.
    [Show full text]
  • Assembling Evidence for Identifying Reservoirs of Infection
    TREE-1806; No. of Pages 10 Review Assembling evidence for identifying reservoirs of infection 1 1,2 1,3 1 4 Mafalda Viana , Rebecca Mancy , Roman Biek , Sarah Cleaveland , Paul C. Cross , 3,5 1 James O. Lloyd-Smith , and Daniel T. Haydon 1 Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK 2 School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK 3 Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA 4 US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center 2327, University Way, Suite 2, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA 5 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Many pathogens persist in multihost systems, making patterns of incidence and prevalence (see Glossary) that the identification of infection reservoirs crucial for result from the connectivity between source and target devising effective interventions. Here, we present a con- populations (black arrows in Figure I in Box 1). We then ceptual framework for classifying patterns of incidence review methods that allow us to identify maintenance or and prevalence, and review recent scientific advances nonmaintenance populations (squares or circles in Figure that allow us to study and manage reservoirs simulta- I, Box 1), how they are connected (arrows in Figure I, Box neously. We argue that interventions can have a crucial 1), and the role that each of these populations has in role in enriching our mechanistic understanding of how maintaining the pathogen (i.e., reservoir capacity).
    [Show full text]
  • Rabies Information for Dog Owners
    Rabies Information for Dog Owners Key Facts Disease in dogs: • During initial days of illness, signs can be nonspecific, such as fever, anxiety and consumption of foreign items (e.g. blankets) • Progresses to more severe signs, such as: • Behavioral change (e.g. aggression, excitability) • Incoordination, loss of balance, disorientation, weakness • Hypersalivation • Seizures • Death results within 10 days of first signs of illness Rabies in dogs is not treatable. Vaccination is key to prevention: • Rabies vaccines are protective if given before exposure to the rabies virus. • Proof of dog vaccination is mandated by many jurisdictions and required for international travel. • Dogs not current on vaccination that are likely exposed to the rabies virus may be required to be euthanized or undergo a long and expensive quarantine. What is it? Rabies is caused by infection with the rabies virus. In North America, the most common wildlife rabies The virus lives in various species of mammals and species (termed reservoirs) vary regionally and is most commonly spread through bites from one include raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and animal to another or to a human (i.e. in an infected bats. Each year in the United States over 4,000 animal’s saliva). rabid animals are reported, including several Disease in dogs may begin with vague signs of hundred rabid dogs and cats, other domestic illness, but rapidly progresses to severe neurologic species (e.g., horses, cattle, sheep, goats) and signs (e.g. aggression, incoordination). Typically, thousands of wildlife animals. death occurs within 10 days of the first signs of illness. Where is it? The rabies virus is present in nearly all parts of the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Ellison Dissertationfinal .Pdf
    Physiological Correlates of Bat Rabies Pathogenesis and Epizootiology by James Alec Ellison, Jr. A dissertation submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Auburn University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Auburn, Alabama August 2, 2014 Keywords: bats; lyssavirus; rabies virus pathogenesis; thermography; surveillance; emerging infectious diseases Copyright 2014 by James Alec Ellison, Jr. Approved by Mary T. Mendonça, Chair, Professor, & Graduate Program Officer of Biological Sciences Charles E. Rupprecht, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology Haruka Wada, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences James Wright, Professor of Pathobiology Abstract Rabies virus (RABV) is one model pathogen to consider for studying the dynamics of emerging infectious diseases under both laboratory and field conditions. The evolutionary history of RABV is characterized by regularly documented spillover infections and a series of notable host shifts. RABV is not a single, genetically homogeneous and unvarying virus, but a virus that has undergone genetic changes in adapting to local hosts and local habitats, such that each variant occupies a unique ecologic niche. The opportunity for re-emergence of rabies in mesocarnivores and the likelihood of sustained transmission of RABV in different species is influenced in part by host and variant-specific factors. Understanding pathogen maintenance and transmission within the natural reservoir may facilitate early detection strategies and targeted interventions prior to human spillover. As such, the general focus of this dissertation is to integrate a contemporary molecular, comparative, and ecological approach to complement our existing knowledge on bat rabies epizootiology and pathogenesis. The multidisciplinary approach of Chapter 2 consists of examining the physiologic response and phylogenetic relationships among bat RABV variants circulating the United States, including those implicated in recent and historical spillover infections in humans and mesocarnivores.
    [Show full text]
  • Update on Rabies
    Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine Dovepress open access to scientific and medical research Open Access Full Text Article REVIEW Update on rabies Alan C Jackson Abstract: Human rabies is almost invariably fatal, and globally it remains an important public Departments of Internal Medicine health problem. Our knowledge of rabies pathogenesis has been learned mainly from studies (Neurology) and Medical Microbiology, performed in experimental animal models, and a number of unresolved issues remain. In contrast University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, with the neural pathway of spread, there is still no credible evidence that hematogenous spread MB, Canada of rabies virus to the central nervous system plays a significant role in rabies pathogenesis. Although neuronal dysfunction has been thought to explain the neurological disease in rabies, recent evidence indicates that structural changes involving neuronal processes may explain the severe clinical disease and fatal outcome. Endemic dog rabies results in an ongoing risk to humans in many resource-limited and resource-poor countries, whereas rabies in wildlife is For personal use only. important in North America and Europe. In human cases in North America, transmission from bats is most common, but there is usually no history of a bat bite and there may be no history of contact with bats. Physicians may not recognize typical features of rabies in North America and Europe. Laboratory diagnostic evaluation for rabies includes rabies serology plus skin biopsy, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva specimens for rabies virus antigen and/or RNA detection. Methods of postexposure rabies prophylaxis, including wound cleansing and administration of rabies vaccine and human rabies immune globulin, are highly effective after recognized exposure.
    [Show full text]
  • IMPACT of INFECTIOUS DISEASE on HUMANS and OUR ORIGINS Glossary
    IMPACT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE ON HUMANS AND OUR ORIGINS Glossary Actin: A protein that forms the internal skeleton of animal cells, Autoimmunity: An organism’s aberrant immune response including red blood cells (RBCs). against its own healthy cells and tissues. Low-level autoimmunity is usually harmless and potentially beneficial, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A serious high-level autoimmunity can cause a broad range of type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of deleterious illnesses known as autoimmune diseases (e.g. widespread fluid buildup in the lungs, which limits oxygen lupus). uptake and causes shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and bluish skin coloration. Bacteria: A type of prokaryotic microorganism. Unlike eukaryotes, bacterial cells do not contain a nucleus and rarely Adhesin: Proteins produced by bacteria and protozoa that harbour membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria were among mediate binding to molecules on host cells. the first life forms to evolve on Earth, and can be found in most every habitat, including soil, water, acidic hot springs, Malarial adhesins can be transferred to the surface of radioactive waste, the deep biosphere of the earth’s crust, and red blood cells (RBCs) causing them to become sticky in and on other living organisms as symbionts and parasites. and adhere to other RBCs and vessel walls, resulting in Bacteria can be beneficial, such as those comprising the gut microvascular inflammation. flora, orpathogenic and cause infectious disease. However, the vast majority of the bacteria in the body are rendered Adjuvant: A pharmacological or immunological agent that harmless by the protective effects of the immune system.
    [Show full text]
  • Bat Rabies and Other Lyssavirus Infections
    Prepared by the USGS National Wildlife Health Center Bat Rabies and Other Lyssavirus Infections Circular 1329 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Front cover photo (D.G. Constantine) A Townsend’s big-eared bat. Bat Rabies and Other Lyssavirus Infections By Denny G. Constantine Edited by David S. Blehert Circular 1329 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2009 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. Suggested citation: Constantine, D.G., 2009, Bat rabies and other lyssavirus infections: Reston, Va., U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1329, 68 p. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Constantine, Denny G., 1925– Bat rabies and other lyssavirus infections / by Denny G. Constantine. p. cm. - - (Geological circular ; 1329) ISBN 978–1–4113–2259–2 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Re-Emergence of Yellow Fever in the Neotropics — Quo Vadis?
    Emerging Topics in Life Sciences (2020) 4 411–422 https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20200187 Perspective Re-emergence of yellow fever in the neotropics — quo vadis? Livia Sacchetto1,*, Betania P. Drumond1, Barbara A. Han2, Mauricio L. Nogueira3 and Nikos Vasilakis4,5,6,7,8 1Department of Microbiology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; 2Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, U.S.A.; 3Department of Dermatological, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; 4Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.; 5Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.; 6Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.; 7Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.; 8Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA Correspondence: Nikos Vasilakis ([email protected]) Yellow fever virus (YFV) is the etiological agent of yellow fever (YF), an acute hemorrhagic vector-borne disease with a significant impact on public health, is endemic across trop- ical regions in Africa and South America. The virus is maintained in two ecologically and evolutionary distinct transmission cycles: an enzootic, sylvatic cycle, where the virus cir- culates between arboreal Aedes species mosquitoes and non-human primates, and a human or urban cycle, between humans and anthropophilic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. While the urban transmission cycle has been eradicated by a highly efficacious licensed vaccine, the enzootic transmission cycle is not amenable to control interventions, leading to recurrent epizootics and spillover outbreaks into human populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Rabies Information Sheet
    Rabies Information Sheet Compiled from Washington State Deaprtment of Health website Rabies Q&A: What is rabies? Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is almost always fatal. All warm-blooded mammals including humans are susceptible to rabies. What mammals carry rabies? Bats are the only rabies reservoir in the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, rabies has not been found in raccoons, skunks, foxes or coyotes. These species may carry the virus in other regions of the United States. In developing countries, dogs are the principal rabies reservoir. How common is human rabies and what is the source of the rabies virus? Human rabies is an extremely rare disease. Since 1990, the number of reported cases in the United States has ranged from 1 to 6 cases annually. Almost all human rabies cases acquired in the United States since 1980 have been due to bat rabies virus. When human rabies occurs due to exposure outside of the United States it is usually the result of the bite of a rabid dog. Has human rabies occurred in Washington state? There was one fatal case of human rabies in Washington in 1995 and one in 1997. Both were due to bat rabies virus. These cases were the first reported in the state since 1939. How is rabies spread? The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal. It is usually spread to humans by animal bites. Rabies could potentially be spread if the virus comes into contact with mucous membranes (eye, nose, and respiratory tract), open cuts, wounds, or abraded skin.
    [Show full text]