Mass rabies exposure of veterinary health care workers in Germany: Management, immune response, and tolerability of post exposure-prophylaxis.

Background: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by Methods: This retrospective study assessed the post-exposure management of 39 veterinary clinic staff exposed to the rabid puppy, focusing on the practicability, immunogenicity, and tolerability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Data was collected from patient records and for follow-up by phone using standardized case record forms, entered into an Excel database, and analyzed descriptively. Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of Tübingen (8452022BO2). Results: Exposed individuals received varying PEP regimens based on vaccination status and exposure level, including possible aerosol exposure. Most followed the Essen-Scheme, with some receiving human rabies immune globulin (hRIG). All developed protective antibody titers, and adverse reactions were generally mild. Conclusion: This case highlights challenges in rabies mass exposure management and emphasizes needs for continued preparedness, resource allocation and education about rabies, even in regions considered rabies-free.