Rabies vaccine; anti-rabies vaccine Carlos Bassan/PMC Archive The City of Campinas (SP) confirmed this week the first case of rabies in a cat since 2016. The Department of Health Surveillance (Devisa) reported this Friday (31) that it had started the protocol of preventive actions, which includes everything from investigating the case to actively searching for people who had contact with the animal. The feline, a young, shaggy female with white fur on her belly, had been abandoned in the Saudade Cemetery. She was found by animal protectors and taken to a veterinary clinic, where she ended up dying. Upon suspecting rabies, veterinarians called the Zoonoses Surveillance Unit (UVZ) on July 21. UVZ collected the animal's biological material and sent it to the Pasteur Institute, which confirmed the positive diagnosis for rabies on Wednesday (29). The municipal administration reinforced that UVZ maintains permanent awareness work with clinics so that they can notify the agency about cases of suspicious deaths. A veterinarian who took care of the cat at the clinic was scratched by the animal. He was already immunized against rabies and was referred for human anti-rabies care (AARH) at a health unit. Active search A Devisa team will carry out an active house-to-house search around the cemetery, this Friday (31). This work aims to quickly identify people who may be exposed and guide immediate prevention measures. Devisa highlights that the risk is restricted to people who have had direct contact with the feline. Anyone who suspects they have had this exposure, even if they have not been bitten or scratched, should contact UVZ at (19) 2515-7044 to evaluate the case. The agency will also monitor other cats that frequent the region. Rabies Rabies is transmitted mainly by bites from infected animals, but it can also occur through scratches or through contact of saliva with mucous membranes or open wounds. Cats do not develop the disease spontaneously: they need to be infected, usually after contact with another infected animal, such as bats. Once infected, the cat can transmit the virus to people and other animals through saliva. It is a serious disease that can lead to death, but can be prevented by vaccinating dogs and cats and providing immediate care after possible exposure.