Clinical Updates
26 September 2008
Rabies in Uruguay
On 7 September 2008, a farmer from Paso del Cerro in northern Uruguay was bitten by a hematophagous (vampire) bat which subsequently tested positive for rabies [1]. The farmer has received post exposure prophylaxis.
A colony of rabies-infected vampire bats was also reported in Rivera, northern Uruguay in October 2007 resulting in infection of other animal species including cattle and horses; no human cases were reported [2]. These were the first reported animal cases since 1968. The last human case of rabies in Uruguay occurred in 1966.
In response to the most recent incident, the Ministry of Public Health in Uruguay has alerted residents to the risk of rabies [3].
Advice for travellers
Vampire bats are endemic to Central and South America, and usually take blood meals from mammals such as cows, pigs and horses, or birds, but will occasionally bite humans if their usual food source is disrupted [5]. They are known to transmit the rabies virus.
Although no human cases of rabies have been reported in Uruguay since 1966, the potential for human exposure exists with the presence of the virus in bats.
Travellers to rabies endemic countries are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary contact with bats or other warm-blooded mammals.
- Sleep in enclosed areas protected by an intact building structure or screening and netting.
- If bitten or scratched, wash the wound with plenty of soap and water and seek immediate medical attention, even if previously vaccinated.
- Travellers returning to the United Kingdom with a possible exposure to rabies should seek prompt medical attention and discuss any treatment they may have received overseas.
- Pre-exposure rabies vaccine should be considered, particularly for longer trips and when access to prompt and safe post-exposure rabies treatment may be difficult.
Detailed information on the prevention and management of rabies exposures is available in the Department of Health ‘Green Book’ chapter on rabies: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Healthprotection/
Immunisation/Greenbook/DH_4097254
In response to these reports, NaTHNaC have revised the status of Uruguay with regard to rabies. Specific health advice for travellers to Uruguay can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Page.
References
1. ProMED-mail. Rabies, vampire bats, human exposure – Uruguay. ProMED-mail 2008; 13 Sep: 20080913.2867. [Accessed 25 September 2008] Available at http://www.promedmail.org/pls/otn/f?p=2400:1001:450058487
7673360::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_
2. World Animal Health Information Database. Event summary: Rabies, Uruguay. 6 October 2007. [Accessed 24 September 2008]. Available at http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.php?page=event_summary&reportid=6404
3. Ministry of Public Health Uruguay. Persisten condiciones de riesgo frente aparicion de murcielagos con virus de rabia. 4 September 2008. [Accessed 25 September 2008]. (In Spanish) Available at http://www.msp.gub.uy/ucepidemiologia_2074_1.html
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