The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) reported a case of human rabies in the state on April 14, 2022. The patient had been bitten by a bat on his right hand in January in the Municipality of Chapala.

According to the Secretary of Health, health authorities immediately carried out surveillance and identification of risk contacts, as well as preventive treatment to the patient’s contacts. The National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control (CENAPRECE) also participated in in the tracing investigation.

It was not until April 9, 2022 that the patient went for a medical check-up at IMSS clinic 180, after having self-medicated for months with analgesics. On April 13, he was taken to the emergency room of the Western National Medical Center of the IMSS, where he was isolated, and an anti-rabies vaccination protocol was started. The patient died without improvement on April 18.

As a result of the epidemiological investigation, 9 relatives have been contacted, and 45 health workers, as well, where the patient was given care. All have started an anti-rabies vaccination protocol, as they are considered risk contacts.

Fernando Petersen Aranguren, head of the Ministry of Health (SSJ), said that, “for the State of Jalisco, having the result of the variant is essential. We work in a coordinated way to establish the strategy for this case, and thereby improve processes. I call on people to vaccinate cats and dogs, and, above all, avoid contact with wild species.”

Background information:

  • Census sample of dogs and cats in the town of Chapala: 60% of the households have pets, 69% are dogs and 31% are cats. The average number of pets is 2.79 per household.
  • There are 17,140 doses available for canine and feline rabies vaccination in Chapala.
  • In coordination with the City Council of Chapala, promotional messages are made about vaccination of dogs and cats, as well as not touching bats, and in case of aggression, to go to medical attention. Information is made available through loudspeakers, posters in public places, and banners in parks.
  • Rabies vaccinations have been carried out in shelters for dogs and cats.
  • The epidemiology area of ​​the SSJ and the Sanitary Region IV La Barca visited the Chapala health units to disseminate the actions to be carried out in the event of a case of aggression by a dog, cat, or wild animal.

In case of detecting an animal suspected of having rabies, report it to Civil Protection, or contact the Department of Vectors and Zoonoses of the OPD Jalisco Health Services at 33-3030-500 extensions 35067 and 35065.

Most importantly, in case of being bitten by a dog or a cat or a wild animal, go immediately to the health unit to receive medical attention. Rabies is treatable if medical attention is sought promptly, but is almost always fatal once symptoms set in.