Bolivia: Rabies alert in Santa Cruz department

Event

One man died from rabies in the city of Santa Cruz (capital of Santa Cruz department) in early November, after having been attacked by a rabid dog. In total, three people have died in the country since the beginning of the year following contact with rabid dogs, two in Santa Cruz and one in Chuquisaca; a fourth suspected case has also been reported in Chuquisaca. The Ministry of Health (Sedes) has declared a state of emergency for various part of Santa Cruz department due to an increase in canine rabies cases in recent months.

Nearly 540 cases of canine rabies have been reported in Santa Cruz department since the beginning of the year, along with 123 in Oruro department and 122 elsewhere in the country.

Context

Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system spread by infected mammals, most often street dogs and bats. If not promptly treated rabies is nearly always fatal. Transmission occurs via contaminated saliva transferred via bites and scratches or coming in contact with broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).

The main line of defense against rabies is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, particularly feral dogs and cats; a vaccine is available for at-risk individuals (e.g. people who live or travel to isolated areas, far from medical clinics) and treatment is possible before symptoms appear.

Advice

Individuals present in Bolivia are advised to avoid all contact with unfamiliar animals (especially ones acting erratically), to make sure pets are vaccinated against the disease, and to seek immediate medical attention in case of any doubts.