RABIES IN GEORGIA AT THE MODERN STAGE

Abstract

The dynamics of rabies morbidity in Georgia was studied based on data from 2007-2023. In this period, the most cases of rabies occurred in 2007 - 10. Between 2007 and 2014, an average of 5 people fell ill annually.  In the years 2015-2023, the spread of infection decreased sharply, and during this period only 1 case of the disease was observing on average annually. In some years, not a single case of infection was detected. The disease was most often observed in 30-59 age group, where the incidence rate was also the highest. Against the backdrop of a decline in the spread of rabies among humans, the number of cases among animals has increased, with the highest number of cases recorded in 2023. In particular, the number of cases has increased in dogs, including both domestic and stray dogs, which are the main source of rabies infection in the country. These processes can lead to an increase in rabies morbidity in humans as well.