Bolivia: Two human rabies deaths in Santa Cruz

Event

Two people have died from rabies in Bolivia so far during the month of May, both in Santa Cruz department. In both cases, the only two human cases reported since the beginning of the year in the country, the victims likely contracted the disease from street dogs or cats. Some 20 cases of canine rabies were reported in Santa Cruz in the first four months of the year. An annual campaign to vaccinate dogs and cats was launched in mid-May.

Context

Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system spread by infected mammals, most often 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 domestic, feral, and wild animals (bites, scratches, licks); 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.