PUBLIC HEALTH, NURSING AND MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK
EVERY practicing pediatrician is faced with the problem of possible rabies in children bitten by animals. This terrifying and dramatic disease, of world-wide distribution and concern, has been the object of research in many countries. Following an International Rabies Conference in Paris in 1927, data concerning 1,600,000 persons treated were collected by the Health Organization of the League of Nations. Final proof of the value of Pasteur treatment could not, however, be obtained, as no evidence was available to compare the outcome of the disease in treated and untreated individuals. After discussion at the First World Health Assembly in 1948 rabiologists all over the world were consulted by the World Health Organization through a questionnaire, and an expert committee was convened in Geneva from 17 to 22 April, 1950, to examine the replies received, review the newest developments, and make recommendations. Highlights of the report of this Expert Committee are presented in the Chronicle of the World Health Organization, vol.4, no.9, pp. 278-284, September 1950. Active Immunization Since Pasteur first used his vaccine in attempts at therapy major activity has been directed at two objectives—treatment of the exposed human beings and mass immunization of animals. "Differences which are known to exist in the biological quality of antirabies vaccines have thrown doubt on the value of current vaccination procedures.