The Ministry of Health of the Autonomous Community of Valencia has reported a confirmed rabies case in a 44-year-old man. The patient remains in serious condition in the intensive care unit of a local hospital and is isolated.
Incident Details and Medical Measures
As reported by the specialized publication Animal’s Health, the man suffered the dog bite in July 2024 during a trip to an African country. He was not vaccinated against rabies at the time of the bite. The life-threatening disease can develop if appropriate preventive measures are not taken after exposure.
The diagnosis was confirmed on May 29 by the National Center for Microbiology through analytical tests. This confirmation, issued by the national reference laboratory, led to the immediate activation of the corresponding health protocols. During his hospitalization, the patient received an immunoglobulin against rabies. This is part of the emergency treatment indicated for exposure to the virus, especially if no prior vaccination was received.
Transmission Risk and Precautions
Rabies is usually transmitted through bites from infected animals in countries where the disease is not under control. The Ministry emphasizes that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. Therefore, the risk to the patient’s environment is considered very low, although precautions are maintained.
