[Vaccination against rabies: how and when?].

Each year, more than 55,000 people die from rabies. Rabies virus (RABV) is transmitted via bites from infected animals. Dogs represent the most important source of infections worldwide. In Germany, the last case of terrestrial rabies was reported in 2006. Therefore, the country has been considered rabies-free since September 2008 (as defined by World Organization of Animal Health, OIE). Bat rabies, however, is still endemic and mostly occurs in northern Germany. It is caused by the European Bat Lyssa Virus (EBLV), which is closely related to RABV. Cases of rabies in humans are almost 100 % lethal, therefore, the correct choice of prophylactic measures is essential. Pre-exposition vaccination is recommended for individuals at risk of contact to Rabies Virus. If used together with post-exposure measures, it confers high-grade protection against disease manifestation. Even non-vaccinated individuals exposed to Rabies Virus can be protected from overt disease in almost all cases with timely and accurate application of post-exposure vaccination. The mode and intensity of exposure determine the choice of regimen (wound treatment, active and passive vaccination). © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.