Credit WHO
# 7929
Earlier this summer Taiwan announced the detection of rabies on that island, ending its rabies-free status which was declared in 1961 (see Taiwan’s Rabies Outbreak). Since then, the number of rabid animals detected has grown rapidly, numbering now well over 100.
Similarly, France has been more-or-less rabies-free (with a 2 year suspension starting in 2008 due to a dog, imported from Morocco, that infected other dogs) since 2001 – at least in non-flying mammals (bats). The CDC’s Yellow book states: Bat lyssaviruses have been reported throughout Europe, including areas that are reportedly free of rabies in other wild mammals.
Today we are learning that a rabid kitten has been discovered in Argenteuil, near Paris, and that 5 people exposed are receiving rabies shots. An appeal has been made by France’s Le ministère des Affaires sociales et de la Santé (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health) for anyone who may have had contact with this kitten to immediately seek medical aid.
Cases of animal rabies in the Val d'Oise - search people and animals in contact
November 1, 2013
The Pasteur Institute confirmed October 31, 2013 a case of rabies in a kitten found on 25 October 2013, rue Marguerite in ARGENTEUIL. The animal died October 28, 2013.It's a kitten about 2 months tricolor: white, black and Tan (see photo).
An epidemiological inquiry has been initiated to identify and support the people who could have come into contact with this kitten between October 8 and October 28, included. This period corresponds to the period during which he could transmit the disease.
Five people who had been in contact with the kitten have already been identified.
They have been supported and directed to a rabies centre for preventive treatmen
- People who have been bitten, scratched, scratched or licked on mucous membranes (mouth, eyes...) or a skin injured by this kitten
- or that the animal would have been in contact with this kitten, between October 8 and October 28, 2013 included
must call soon 08 11 00 06 95
accessible local number between 10 H 00 and 18 H 00 hours from 1 November 2013-
- Similarly, anyone who would have information to give about this kitten or his eventual owner is invited to contact this number. |
It is extremely important to find all persons, including the owner, or the animals that were in contact with the kitten, the mother and the other kittens of the scope.
The France being free of rabies since 2001, this kitten here parent were imported from another country, not free.
Rabies, a disease that should be treated quickly.
Rabies is a fatal disease if not treated in time. It is transmitted for about 15 days before the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease in the animal.
In humans, the preventive treatment of rabies human, administered after contact with the carrier animal, but before the onset of symptoms, is very effective.
Reminder of important recommendations
- Any dog or cat or other carnivore having bitten or scratched a person, must be presented to a veterinarian by its owner within 24 hours of the injury.
The animal is the subject of a health surveillance by the veterinarian for 15 days;
- If bitten, immediately clean the wound with SOAP and water, rinse thoroughly and apply an antiseptic solution. It is essential to quickly consult a doctor, who will be able to according to the context guide the person bitten to a rabies centre.
- do not manipulate the wild animals or stray especially when they are found sick or wounded
Despite the availability of rabies prophylaxis and treatment shots, about 60,000 people die each year from the virus – mostly in Asia. This from the World Health Organization’s Rabies Fact Sheet.
Rabies
Fact Sheet N°99
Updated July 2013
Key facts
- Rabies occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.
- More than 55 000 people die of rabies every year mostly in Asia and Africa.
- 40% of people who are bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age.
- Dogs are the source of the vast majority of human rabies deaths.
- Wound cleansing and immunization within a few hours after contact with a suspect rabid animal can prevent the onset of rabies and death.
- Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-exposure vaccination to prevent the disease– this is estimated to prevent hundreds of thousands of rabies deaths annually.
