The first imported case of rabies into Japan in 36 years: a forgotten life-threatening disease.

A domestic case of rabies has not been reported in Japan since 1957. The last case of rabies reported in Japan was an imported case from Nepal in 1970. We recently experienced a new case imported from the Philippines, the first case in Japan in 36 years. Although Japanese people are about to forget the dangers of rabies, this case should serve as a warning to those Japanese who are planning a trip abroad.