Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The first confirmed human case of rabies, Timor-Leste, 2024.
- Journal:
- Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Amaral Mali, Marcelo et al.
- Affiliation:
- Instituto Nacional de Saú
Plain-English summary
In March 2024, the first confirmed human case of rabies, which is a serious viral infection usually spread by animal bites, was reported in Timor-Leste after a person was bitten by a dog. This case is significant because Timor-Leste was previously thought to be free of rabies. The report discusses how the virus was transmitted, the symptoms the person experienced, and the care they received to manage their condition. It also highlights the importance of public health measures, advising anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, like dogs or bats, to seek medical evaluation for rabies prevention treatment. The outcome for the individual in this case is not specified, but rabies is often fatal once symptoms appear, emphasizing the need for prompt action after animal bites.
Abstract
In March 2024, the first ever human case of rabies, following a dog bite, was detected in Timor-Leste. This paper briefly discusses the circumstances of transmission, clinical presentation, palliative care of the case and public health measures taken. Timor-Leste was previously considered rabies-free. Any person who is bitten or scratched by an animal that could potentially transmit rabies virus (especially dogs, bats, monkeys or cats) in Timor-Leste should be assessed for consideration of provision of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38699901/