Case of rabies in a dog that died is confirmed in a city in the interior of SP; This is the first case in 30 years

Case of rabies in a dog leaves São João da Boa Vista on alert A case of rabies in a one-year-old dog, of the Belgian Shepherd Malinois breed, was confirmed in the Solário da Mantiqueira neighborhood, in São João da Boa Vista (SP). The animal was not vaccinated against the disease and died on August 7th. The result of the test, which confirmed infection with the rabies virus, was released this Wednesday (12), putting Epidemiological Surveillance on alert. According to the ministry, the city had not recorded a case of rabies in 30 years. ? Follow g1 São Carlos and Araraquara on Instagram The animal presented neurological symptoms, received veterinary care and died after hospitalization. The diagnosis was confirmed after analyzing material collected by the Zoonosis Control Center (CCZ) and sent to the Pasteur Institute. According to Epidemiological Surveillance, the variant of the virus responsible for the infection has not yet been identified. Analysis is important to determine whether the case is related to the bat-borne variant or the canine variant. "We are analyzing the contacts and ensuring that everyone who had contact with the animal is protected and does not have any cases of human rabies," said Ludimila Barros Zan, coordinator of Health Surveillance. After confirming the case, Surveillance began the prevention and vaccination protocol for people who had contact with the animal. Ludimila Zan is the coordinator of the Health Surveillance of São João da Boa Vista Reproduction/EPTV More news from the region: RIO CLARO: Baby presumed dead is welcomed with a party after being discharged in the interior of SP: 'In the comfort of home' CONCHAL: Understand why the police indicted a doctor for murder after the death of a boy stung by a scorpion THREATS: Father of the saint is convicted of charging R$700,000 to 'ward off evil spirits' from a woman in the interior of SP Vacinação Familiares, the veterinarian responsible for the first care and students from a university and professionals who participated in the assistance were evaluated individually. People who had direct contact with the animal, especially with secretions, were notified and received preventive vaccination. "Our priority at the moment is human care. Everyone who had intense contact, who handled the animal or had contact with secretions, has already entered the prophylaxis protocol, everyone has been vaccinated", said Ludimila Barros Zan, coordinator of Health Surveillance. According to Surveillance, the priority at this time is to prevent the occurrence of cases in humans, as rabies is a serious disease and, once symptoms appear, there is no cure. Rabies transmission Epidemiological Surveillance also reinforced precautions in case of contact with bats, considered an important source of rabies transmission. According to the guidance, it is essential to avoid direct contact with the animal and contact the Zoonosis Control Center for collection. "If you find a bat at home, place a container over it, don't touch it, isolate the animal and call the Zoonosis Control Center to have it collected," said coordinator Ludimila Zan. The bat will be sent for analysis at the Pasteur Institute, where it will be checked whether it was infected with the rabies virus. The investigation helps to identify the circulation of the virus and guide prevention measures for people and animals that may have had contact with the animal. According to the city hall, the domestic animal did not have access to the street. Prevention actions in the neighborhood The head of the Vector and Zoonosis Control Service, Hércules Fonseca, explained that the team will intensify prevention actions in the region where the case was confirmed. According to him, a survey of animals living within a radius of 300 meters will be carried out and vaccination will be reinforced. In addition to vaccination, professionals will also investigate the possible presence of other animals with symptoms compatible with rabies. "At the same time, we will check if there are other dogs or cats that may present neurological symptoms that indicate the need for investigation. It is important to highlight that, even animals that are already vaccinated and are within this lockdown radius, will receive a booster dose", he informed. Vaccination against rabies Reproduction/TV Subaé Vaccination up to date Epidemiological Surveillance reinforces that the main way to prevent rabies in dogs and cats is to keep annual vaccinations up to date. According to the ministry, vaccination campaigns previously carried out in neighborhoods and rural areas were discontinued as part of a strategy defined by the Ministry of Health and the state government. Currently, the guidance is that owners take their animals to a fixed vaccination point annually. "The strategy today is to maintain a fixed vaccination point, where owners send their animals annually to receive the rabies dose," he said. The City of São João da Boa Vista informed that it intends to temporarily extend vaccination hours at the Zoonosis Control Center and study actions on Saturdays to facilitate access for guardians. Surveillance advises that owners check their animals' vaccination records and contact the responsible health service if the rabies vaccine is late. Vaccination against rabies takes place from Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 4:30pm, at the São João da Boa Vista Zoonosis Center, at Rua Antônio José Milan nº 40. Rabies Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, mainly through saliva, usually through bites, scratches or contact with mucous membranes and wounds. In case of contact with a suspicious animal or one with unusual behavior, the advice is to avoid handling the animal and immediately seek a health service to assess the need for prophylaxis (a set of measures used to prevent a disease before it develops). 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