THE CONTROL OF RABIES IN HONG KONG

Abstract

Hong Kong had been free of rabies for 25 years prior to 1980 when there was an outbreak of the disease. With the intensification of rabies control measures, the incidence dropped down rapidly. However, there were still sporadic cases in subsequent years. From October 1980 to October 1985, there have been 5 human cases and 28 animal cases. The records of these cases are reviewed to find out whether there is any common characteristics that have something on the control measures. The most important feature of the animal cases is that they are all clustered around the border with China, signifying China to be the source of the outbreak. The current control measures employed in Hong Kong have some differences from those of world renowned organisations, for example the World Health Organisation and Centers for Disease Control of the United State. The differences are compared and the measures reviewed. Each component of these control measure is considered individually as to whether it is useful and whether there is any need for improvements. Recommendations on the control measures are made.