The Santa Cruz Departmental Health Service (SEDES) reported this week a positive case of human rabies in a 24-year-old medical intern from Melga, who was performing her rural service in Chimoré. The young woman died, and an investigation is underway.
“The laboratory of the National Institute of Health Laboratories (INLASA) in La Paz confirmed that the result was positive for human rabies. The investigation revealed that she had been in contact with a three-month-old puppy that showed signs consistent with rabies,” reported Carlos Alberto Hurtado Solares, head of Epidemiology at SEDES Santa Cruz.
According to the official, the patient arrived from the Isiboro Sécure Indigenous Territory and National Park, specifically the Varicuare community in Ivirgazama, Cochabamba. Upon evaluation by doctors, several typical signs of rabies were identified, prompting an investigation.
“The patient presented with photophobia, hydrophobia, sialorrhea, and other neurological manifestations. Therefore, on October 31, immediately after the case was reported, the investigation began,” stated Hurtado Solares.
The specialist explained that 48 hours later, the young woman was discharged from the hospital “due to some financial constraints.” The family decided to transfer her to the department of Cochabamba; however, the patient did not survive and died shortly afterward.
“Unfortunately, this person died 48 kilometers before reaching the city of Cochabamba. Samples were taken, and we coordinated with the Ministry of Health and Sports and the Cochabamba Departmental Health Service (SEDES) to conduct tests to confirm or rule out certain pathologies,” the professional added.
The laboratory tests confirmed the suspicions. The young woman tested positive for rabies, triggering alerts and activating protocols. Now, authorities are working to identify if anyone else may have been infected after coming into contact with her.
“We quickly implemented all the actions instructed by the director of the Departmental Health Service (SEDES), such as investigating and containing the outbreak. What comes next is an investigation of all individuals who had contact with her at the clinic without adhering to self-care and biosafety measures,” he said.
Hurtado Solares noted the possibility of transmission through contact with the patient’s saliva. Therefore, protocols are being followed and contact tracing is underway.
The Bolivian Ministry of Health and Sports announced a mass rabies vaccination campaign in November. Immunizing pets is a strategy to prevent transmission to humans. Meanwhile, in case of contact with animals without proof of vaccination, the public is advised to go to their nearest health center for a preventive vaccination.