First confirmed case of local human rabies in Saudi Arabia. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dhayhi, Nabil S.; Arishi, Haider M.; Ibrahim, AbdulAziz Y. Al; Allah, Moawiah B. Khalaf; Hawas, Abdu M.; Alqasmi, Halima; Sairam, Ibrahim; Thubab, Abdullah; Buraik, Mohammed; Alali, Amer
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 87(2019)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Rabies -- Dog bite -- Milwaukee protocol; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.08.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Despite hundreds of animal bites annually and the endemicity of rabies among various types of animal in Saudi Arabia, this is the first confirmed case of local human rabies in Saudi Arabia. The Milwaukee protocol has failed to save the lives of the vast majority of rabies patients managed with this method; it may need to be re-evaluated or even stopped if further reports are still not promising. The presence of human rabies and animal rabies in a diverse spectrum of animals across Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Middle East necessitates the formulation of robust plans that aim mainly to control stray animals in populated areas, minimize animal bites, and encourage rabies vaccination for domestic animals. Increased awareness of health care workers in Saudi Arabia regarding wound management after animal bites and the clinical presentation of rabies is crucial. Abstract: Rabies is a common zoonotic viral infection worldwide. Numerous animals can transmit the virus to humans, but dogs are the main ones. Despite the high incidence of animal bites overall in Saudi Arabia, of which most are dog bites, no single case of confirmed local human rabies has been reported. This article reports the case of a 12-year-old boy who lived with his family in a village in Jazan region in the southeast area of Saudi Arabia. He presented with signs suggestive of rabies. Saliva testing by rabies PCR was positive, confirming this as the first case of local human rabies in Saudi Arabia. The management plan followed the Milwaukee protocol, but the patient unfortunately died after 13 days of admission.