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Outbreak of human rabies in the Peruvian jungle

A Lopez1, P Miranda, E Tejada

  • 1Oficina General de Epidemiologia, Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiologia de Campo, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Peru.

Lancet (London, England)
|February 15, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Vampire bat-transmitted rabies caused a fatal outbreak in Peru, disproportionately affecting children. Prompt wound care and bat-proofing dwellings are crucial for prevention in isolated communities.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic diseases
  • Viral pathogenesis
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rabies transmission by vampire bats to humans is a known but infrequently reported phenomenon.
  • Few studies have detailed the clinical features of rabies acquired through vampire bat bites.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical features and epidemiology of a rabies outbreak transmitted by vampire bats in rural Peru.
  • To identify risk factors and recommend preventive strategies for bat-transmitted rabies in isolated populations.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a retrospective study during an outbreak in early 1990 in two Amazonian communities in Peru.
  • Performed a census, patient/family interviews, and necropsy on one deceased individual.
  • Isolated and characterized the rabies virus strain.

Main Results:

  • 29 residents (5%) died from an illness characterized by hydrophobia, fever, and headache.
  • Children aged 5-14 years were significantly more affected (17%) than other age groups.
  • A history of bat bite was reported by 96% of patients, compared to 22% of healthy individuals.
  • Rabies virus isolated from a patient was identical to strains from vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus).

Conclusions:

  • Vampire bat bites were the primary transmission route during this outbreak.
  • Preventive measures, including bat-proofing dwellings and prompt wound care, are essential.
  • Vaccination may be challenging in these isolated communities, highlighting the need for effective non-vaccine-based interventions.
Keywords:
Age DistributionAge FactorsAmericasDelivery Of Health CareDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEpidemiologic MethodsHealthHealth ServicesImmunizationLatin AmericaMortality--statisticsPeruPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPopulation DynamicsPrimary Health CareResearch MethodologyRural PopulationSex DistributionSex FactorsSouth AmericaVaccination--indicationsViral Diseases--transmission

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