Bolivia: Increase in canine rabies cases in Tarija department

Event

An increase in rabies cases has been reported in Bolivia's Tarija department, according to the Tarija Departmental Health Service. As of December 8, some 21 cases of canine rabies had been confirmed by health officials, compared to 19 cases confirmed a week before. The most severely affected area is Villa Montes municipality, which has accounted for over 70 percent of the confirmed cases. As of December 8, Bolivian health officials were carrying out a search for potential human cases related to the outbreak.

Context

Bolivian health officials carried out a major rabies vaccination campaign in June 2017; despite the campaign, a rabies outbreak was since reported in Gran Chaco province (Tarija department), including Villa Montes and Yacuiba municipalities.

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, particularly in Tarija department, 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.