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The health service authorities in Cochabamba department, central Bolivia has declared a state of emergency owing to an increase in the incidence of animal rabies since the beginning of the year (2015). The worst affected area is Cochabamba city where 40 cases of canine and feline rabies virus have been detected. Forty one further cases of animal rabies have been identified in other municipalities of the department.
Animal health authorites are planning an immunisation campaign, targeting more than 250 000 animals throughout the department. An awareness campaign is recommending that owners ensure their pets are vaccinated, avoid obtaining pets from unreliable sources, avoid contact with stray animals and to report bites for medical attention promptly.
There have been two human deaths from rabies in the department thus far in 2015, neither of whom sought treatment following animal bites due to lack of awareness.
(Via Entorno Intelegente (in Spanish) - accessed 13/11/15)
Bolivia is considered by WHO to be a country with a high risk of animal rabies. Rabies pre-exposure vaccine is sometimes advised for travellers considered to be at risk. Travellers should avoid all animal contact and report any bites promptly for medical assessment.
