Pre-Exposure Rabies Immunizations

In Reply Refer To:                            June 5, 1986

BRANCH OF OPERATIONS TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 86.03

To:       Regional Hydrologists, NR, SR, WR, CR

          Regional Research Hydrologists, NR, SR, WR, CR
          District Chiefs, Water Resources Division

From:     Chief, Branch of Operational Support

Subject:  Pre-Exposure Rabies Immunizations

In response to a District request for obtaining pre-exposure rabies
immunizations, we asked for the Department of the Inteior Medical
Director's guidance and recommendation.  Attached for your information
is a copy of his reply.

If after consultation with the employee's private physician, pre-exposure
prophylaxis treatment against rabies is required, employees may obtain
the treatment at U.S. Geological Survey expense in accordance with the
procedures outlined in Geological Survey Manual 370.792.1.  If you have
any questions or need additional information, please contact the Division
Safety Officer, Wayne Hammond, at FTS 959-5255, MS405, Reston, Virginia.






                                  Alberto Condes

Attachment

Copy to:  Regional Safety Officers
          Survey Safety Manager







               UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

                         Office of the Secretary
                          Washington, D.C. 20240

                                                   APR 25 1986

Memorandum

To:       Personnel Officer
          Geological Survey

From:     Mariano B. Pimentel, M.D.
          Medical Director

Subject:  Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Treatment Against Rabies

Several experts on rabies have been consulted.  This account sfor
the delay in replying to your memorandum.

There are two prevailing schools of thought with regard to the
use of prophylactic treatment against rabies to individuals who
may be potentially exposed to animals that are rabid.  One group
feels that the benefit derived from the vaccine does not justify
the risks involved since it is possible to contract rabies from
the vaccine; even though the virus in the vaccine may be
attenuated.  However, there is another group who feels that the
adverse effects of the vaccine are not common and therefore it
is worth giving prophylactic treatments to those who may be
exposed to rabid animals.

In view of the above, it is my recommendation that each employee
be considered on an individual basis.  Csequently, I recommend
that each employee who may be exposed to rabid animals in the
course of their work consult his/her private physician.





                            /s/ MARIANO B. PIMENTAL, M.D.