The Zacatecas Health Secretariat confirmed the first case of human rabies in a 17-year-old girl residing in the municipality of Mezquital del Oro. According to the official report, the young woman contracted the disease after being bitten by a wild animal, triggering a health alert in the region.
AS México tells you what is known about the case, the symptoms of rabies in humans, and the recommendations of health authorities.
The confirmed case in Zacatecas
The infection was confirmed by the State Public Health Laboratory, with support from the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (INDRE) and the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CENAPRECE).
The young woman went to Rural Hospital No. 82 in Vicente Guerrero, Durango, on August 13 and was later transferred to the IMSS Regular System in Zacatecas. She was later admitted to the Emilio Varela Luján General Hospital Zone No. 1, where she is receiving specialized medical care.
On August 15, at 12:25 a.m., the family and health authorities were notified of the confirmed diagnosis, and epidemiological control protocols were immediately activated. These include community vaccinations, interviews with family members and contacts, and the search for possible suspected cases.
- It was detected in a 17-year-old female resident of the Mezquital del Oro municipality.
Symptoms of Rabies in Humans
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and, once clinical symptoms appear, is usually fatal. The main signs include:
Initial symptoms: pain or itching in the wound, fever, malaise, headache, and muscle weakness.
Neurological symptoms: anxiety, confusion, agitation, excessive salivation, spasms, hydrophobia (fear of water), photophobia (intolerance to light), and aerophobia (fear of air or drafts).
Advanced: Tingling or numbness at the bite site, progressive paralysis, and, in later stages, coma.
Authorities’ Recommendations
The Zacatecas government urged the population to immediately go to the nearest health center if they are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, to receive post-exposure prophylaxis, which can prevent the disease if applied promptly.
Key measures include:
Immediately and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water.
Go to a health center to receive a rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin, if necessary.
Report any animal attacks to health authorities to activate surveillance protocols.
Source: mexico.as
