The Institut Pasteur has confirmed that a case of rabieswas identified in a dog of the “Bull Terrier” breed held in the square Louis Huguet in the commune of Chambon Feugerolles, in the Loire (42). The dog died of the disease on the night of May 17 to 18, specifies the prefecture of the department in a press release. The animal previously bit a person close to him and a neighbor’s dog. The investigation conducted by the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations and the Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) has already revealed that three other people close to the owner have been in contact with the sick dog. These people likely to have been contaminated were referred to the Anti-Rabies Center of the North Hospital of Saint-Etienne.
Investigations are continuing but it seems that the dog caught rabies while traveling illegally in countries not free from rabies. Additional analyzes must determine the precise focus of the virus.
In the meantime, the Loire prefecture is looking for people and animals who have been in contact with the rabid dog between May 7 and May 16 inclusive.
No cases of human rabies since 1924
A man can be infected with rabies through the animal’s saliva by biting, scratching, licking on excoriated skin or mucous membrane (eye, mouth).
In the event of a bite, it is imperative to clean the wound with soap and water, rinse thoroughly and apply an antiseptic solution before seeking urgent medical attention.
Each year, there are 55,000 rabies-related deaths worldwide. Most of these are infections caused by a rabid dog. In mainland France none human rabies case on metropolitan French territory has been reported since 1924 according to the Pasteur Institute.
>> To read also: Rabies: the worrying human cost linked to the lack of vaccination
