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Rabies (Human) in the Americas

24 June 2015

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) have issued an Epidemiologial Alert on rabies in the Americas.

Although progress has been made towards the eradication of canine rabies virus transmission to humans, some countries in the region continue to report human cases of rabies infection. Since the beginning of 2014, to date, human cases of rabies following canine exposure have been reported from: Bolivia (6 cases), Haiti (3 cases), Guatemala (2 cases), Brazil (1 case) and Dominican Republic (1 case).

Of concern, canine rabies has been identified in areas of some countries where previously rabies was not reported: Jujuy and Salta in northern Argentina, Mato Grosso do Sul in central-western Brazil and Loma Plata city in the department of Boquerón, western Paraguay.

Canine rabies was reported in the Arequipa region of south-western Peru; an area declared free of rabies more than 10 years ago.

PAHO/WHO has made several recommendations to the countries of the Americas, including:

  • Carry out mass vaccination of canines until appropriate and sustainable immunity levels are achieved.
  • Raise public awareness to ensure individuals seek immediate medical attention for suspected exposure to the rabies virus.
  • Use effective and safe WHO pre-qualified vaccines for pre and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for individuals exposed to the rabies virus.
  • There is no contraindication to PEP for pregnant women, infants, the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, including children with HIV/AIDS.
  • Inform the public and healthcare workers that cleaning wounds and getting PEP as soon as possible after exposure can prevent rabies.

(Via PAHO Epidemiological Alerts, Rabies 12/06/15 - accessed 24/06/15)

Advice for Travellers

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is sometimes advised for high rabies risk countries of the Americas; see individual country records for further information. Travellers are advised to avoid animal contact and report any bites sustained as soon as possible for medical assessment.