SUMMARY

rabies epidemic over the past three decades. Towards a better understanding of this epidemic, we have previously analysed nucleotide sequences of 142 rabies virus specimens that were obtained from these regions during 2003–2004 and provided a molecular description of the geographical distribution of rabies viral variants in the affected provinces. Here, as an extension, we studied five human cases that occurred during 2002–2003 and demonstrated the use of the sequence database in tracking unknown human rabies case histories. We were able to identify the geographical origin of viruses responsible for each human infection and in one case obtained evidence that suggested a non-bite transmission of rabies virus from an infected dog to a child. We argue for the value of this information in surveillance and epidemiological study and in the follow-up and management of potential exposures. Canine rabies is endemic among domestic dogs in the South African provinces of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape (EC) from where about 6–29 human rabies cases (mean 14 cases), most of whom are young children are reported annually [1]. Canin