Rabies in the News

This transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image, reveals some of the ultrastructural features exhibited by numerous bullet-shaped, rabies virus particles, as well as cellular inclusions known as Negri bodies.

Agency Issues Warning After Rabid Bat Bites Woman

According to a press release from the agency, the woman was working at a general store in the Death Valley area when she attempted to move a bat that she found on top of a garbage can that she said was "behaving strangely." The bat then bit her through the nitrile gloves she was wearing. It was subsequently taken by the NPS and the California Department of Public Health for testing, and the woman was later informed that the bat was positive for rabies.

Man tragically dies after being bitten by infected BAT inside bedroom

Experts also state that “this was the first recorded US case of rabies where a patient died after receiving prophylaxis treatment in a timely and appropriate manner”. The rabies virus, which is almost always fatal, if the patients are not administered medications before the emergence of symptoms, targets the central nervous system and results in inflammation of the brain as well as the spinal cords. Humans can get infected with this virus typically after coming in contact with the saliva of an infected animal. This virus is transmitted through several animals including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

Case of rabies confirmed in Paris by France’s Ministry of Agriculture

Rabies has been discovered in a dog in a Paris suburb. As detailed in a statement from France’s Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday, October 27, several people have already been bitten by it. The dog was reportedly kept in isolation from the time it showed signs of illness on October 19th until it died on October 25th. Before the dog was isolated, it had bitten several people who subsequently received preventive care. There are signs that the infected dog may have been illegally imported from Morocco said the Ministry. France has been officially free of rabies since 2001, except for the type found in bats. However, the deadly disease remains in many countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. In those nations, dogs account for the majority of cases of the disease transmitted to humans, according to the French Ministry of Agriculture.

Bat Found in a Home in Oregon Tested Positive; How To Tell if an Animal Is Rabid?

Oregon health officials remind the public to take extra care and ensure pets have completed their vaccination to protect them. More so, avoid contact with wildlife and take precautions when attempting to handle a bat by wearing heavy gloves and using a shovel.