A Notable Increase in Human Rabies Mortality After Ten Years in Iran in 2022: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Rabies virus is responsible for 60000 deaths annually worldwide, and over 95% of all human rabies deaths occur in developing countries. In Iran, the annual number of animal bites is 180 per 100000 people, and rabies control programs focus more on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). In this study, the data on people whose death was caused by rabies were obtained from the WHO Collaborating Center (CC) for Reference and Research on Rabies (Pasteur Institute of Iran) from 2011 to 2022. Data analysis showed a remarkable increase in human rabies mortality rate after 10 years in Iran in 2022, with 14 cases. Then, the causes were investigated despite prevention measures. The increase in human rabies cases in Iran indicates that the currently used control methods are insufficient. Controlling the population of stray dogs, sterilization, and vaccination coverage of 70% are the most essential and basic steps in preventing rabies.