Post‐exposure rabies prophylaxis for mass bat exposures: Case series and systematic review

Abstract

To assess and describe the use of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) related to mass bat exposures (MBEs) in the literature and in the state of Rhode Island. Data on MBE events occurring between 2010 and 2016 from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) were reviewed to determine PEP usage. For comparison, a systematic review was also performed by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science using the keywords 'rabies,' 'bat' and 'exposure.' There were three MBE events in Rhode Island between 2010 and 2016 in which groups of individuals were asleep during the potential exposure. As a result, RIDOH provided PEP to those involved in the event. In a systematic review of 12 published reports, a variety of settings were involved in MBEs: camping sites, a domestic flight, a neonatal intensive care unit and dormitories. The number of potential rabies exposures ranged from five to 1,429 people. PEP recommendations for assessed persons ranged from 0% to 100% across events (median 21%). The variation in PEP recommendations following a MBE may be dependent on medical need, past precedent or preference.Federal guidance for MBE is needed to add clarity and to minimize the variability in PEP recommendations for such events in the future. K E Y W O R D Sbat, mass bat exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis, rabies

Epidemiology of rabies immune globulin use in paediatric and adult patients in the USA: a cross-sectional prevalence study

“…4 Following the vaccination of domestic animals against rabies, trends in animal rabies have changed; more than 90% of rabies cases now occur in wildlife. 5 Current reservoirs of concern for rabies exposure are wild animals. Annually, 30 000–60 000 people require treatment for suspected rabies exposures, and between one and three human rabies cases are reported nationally.…”

“…In the USA, human rabies cases have declined significantly since the 1970s due to dog and cat vaccination programmes, stray animal control, public education campaigns and availability of PEP 4. Following the vaccination of domestic animals against rabies, trends in animal rabies have changed; more than 90% of rabies cases now occur in wildlife 5. Current reservoirs of concern for rabies exposure are wild animals.…”

Bat intrusions at a tertiary care center in Iowa, 2018–2020

“…4 Because human rabies is fatal, exposures involving bats require a timely evaluation for rabies postexposure prophylaxis. 5 Bat intrusions in healthcare facilities have been reported infrequently. 6,7 Here, we describe bat intrusions into a tertiary-care center and the subsequent management of exposures.…”