Human Rabies - Wyoming and Utah, 2015.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted primarily through the saliva of infected animals.
• Bat-associated rabies is a significant public health concern in North America, often linked to silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans).

Observation:

• A Wyoming woman presented with progressive neurological symptoms including weakness, ataxia, dysarthria, and dysphagia, leading to respiratory failure and encephalitis.
• The patient's family reported a bat encounter one month prior to admission, which was not medically evaluated for rabies risk.
• Contact with invasive species authorities did not result in advice for rabies risk assessment.

Findings:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the patient was infected with a rabies virus variant enzootic to the silver-haired bat.
• The patient succumbed to the rabies infection, underscoring the rapid and severe progression of the disease.

Implications:

• There is a critical need to enhance public understanding of rabies transmission risks associated with bat encounters.
• Effective collaboration between public health agencies and other relevant authorities is essential for timely assessment and management of potential rabies exposures.
• Early medical evaluation following any suspected bat contact is vital for preventing fatal outcomes from rabies.