Human Rabies - Puerto Rico, 2015.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted primarily through animal bites.
• Early diagnosis and prompt postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) are critical for preventing rabies.
• Mongoose populations can act as reservoirs for rabies virus in endemic areas.

Observation:

• A 54-year-old man presented with symptoms consistent with rabies, including fever, dysphagia, and paresthesia.
• The patient reported a mongoose bite weeks prior, for which he did not seek medical attention.
• The patient experienced rapid clinical deterioration, leading to cardiac arrest and death.

Findings:

• Rabies virus was confirmed in autopsy specimens from the deceased patient.
• The case highlighted a potential gap in rabies awareness and timely medical care seeking after animal bites.
• Public health authorities initiated a rapid risk assessment and administered PEP to close contacts.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of public education regarding animal bite management and rabies prevention.
• Timely administration of rabies postexposure prophylaxis is crucial in preventing human rabies deaths.
• Surveillance of rabies in mongoose populations is essential for informing public health interventions.