Surveillance of potential rabies exposure in Australian travellers returning to South East Queensland

Abstract

Rabies is endemic in animals in many parts of the world, including much of Asia, the Americas, Africa and Europe. Each year, rabies kills approximately 55,000 people worldwide, most of whom are children. Australia currently remains free of rabies. However in late-2008, rabies was confirmed for the first time in dogs with subsequent human cases in one of our most popular travel destinations, Bali, Indonesia.
Health authorities have recommended post-exposure treatment for potentially exposed returned travellers from Bali, Indonesia, from 1 August 2008. These travellers should receive appropriate post-exposure treatment as per the Australian Immunisation Schedule.
This report summarises potential rabies exposure incidents that have been reported to Public Health Units in the south Brisbane region of Queensland, from January 2008 to the end of April 2012.
This region covers the geographic areas of south Brisbane, Logan and West Moreton, where approximately 1.3 million people reside.