Iris Velázquez / Reform Agency
Friday, December 30, 2022 | 20:03
Mexico City.- The Government of Nayarit reported that it received the laboratory results analyzed by the federal authority and confirmed that the woman bitten by a domestic cat was infected with the rabies virus. At the moment, her life prognosis is reserved.
“In Mexico, this would correspond to the first case of human rabies transmitted by a domestic cat possibly associated with wildlife and diagnosed antemortem,” the entity reported.
On November 13, a 29-year-old woman was bitten by her pet, which reportedly had not been vaccinated against rabies.
The cat presented aggressive behavior and died three days later. Almost four weeks later, the patient began with nervous symptoms compatible with rabies.
She is currently admitted to the “Dr. Antonio González Guevara” IMSS-Wellness Specialty Hospital in Tepic.
According to the official report, the patient has shown hemodynamic stability and vital signs, for which reason sedation has been withdrawn. However, her prognosis for her life is still guarded.
For the study of this case, samples were obtained from the patient and sent to the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) of the federal government.
“The results showed high levels of immunoglobulins in the cerebrospinal fluid, which, together with the clinical and epidemiological criteria reviewed in an expert session, the patient has a rabies virus infection,” confirmed Nayarit.
In order to limit new cases, rabies focus control activities were carried out in the community of residence of the person who was bitten by their cat. House-to-house tours began and dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies with the participation of personnel from the Department of Vectors and Zoonoses and from Sanitary Jurisdiction No. 3 of Compostela of the Health Services of Nayarit (SSN), as well as of IMSS-Wellness.
According to figures given by the state government, coverage of 89.5 percent of houses visited has currently been reached.
“Work continues next week to be able to reach 100 percent of the total number of houses in that community,” he said.
What are the recommendations?
– Go to receive medical attention in the event of any aggression by a domestic or wild animal for its study, follow-up and, where appropriate, administer preventive treatment.
– Report the presence of an animal suspected of being infected with rabies (aggressive or erratic or different behavior) to medical personnel, epidemiology or any health authority for monitoring and study, and avoid handling or having contact with it.
– Vaccinate pets against rabies.
