Rabid bat diagnosed in Hawaii.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Zoonotic Disease Surveillance
• Virology

Background:

• Hawaii has maintained a rabies-free status through continuous surveillance since 1966.
• Rabies virus detection in animals is crucial for preventing human exposure.
• The Fluorescent Rabies Antibody (FRA) test is a key diagnostic tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first confirmed case of rabies in Hawaii.
• To highlight the importance of inter-agency and private sector collaboration in disease control.

Main Methods:

• Statewide rabies surveillance program utilizing Fluorescent Rabies Antibody (FRA) testing on animal brains.
• Diagnostic confirmation by the Hawaii Department of Health (DoH) laboratory and the USPHS Centers for Disease Control (CDC) rabies laboratory.

Main Results:

• The first case of rabies in Hawaii was diagnosed on April 3, 1991.
• The infected animal was a large brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus fuscus) captured in Honolulu harbor.
• The bat's brain exhibited characteristic fluorescent staining patterns indicative of rabies virus.

Conclusions:

• The detection of a rabid bat underscores the risk of rabies introduction through imported animals.
• Effective collaboration between government agencies and private entities is vital for successful rabies surveillance and control.
• Prompt diagnosis and confirmation prevented potential public health risks.