Módulo 1 - 3 - Dr Felipe Rocha
Epidemiology of Rabies in the Americas
Introduction to Rabies and Zoonoses
- Felipe Rocha introduces himself as a veterinary consultant specializing in zoonoses for the Pan American Center for Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
- The presentation focuses on rabies epidemiology in the Americas, emphasizing common transmissible diseases between domestic animals and humans.
Transmission and Clinical Manifestations
- Rabies transmission primarily occurs through infected animal saliva, with clinical symptoms including weakness, fever, headache, and neurological issues such as anxiety and delirium.
- The virus affects a wide range of mammals, both domestic and wild, highlighting its genetic variants that complicate understanding of transmission cycles.
Epidemiological Cycles
- Urban canine populations are responsible for approximately 60,000 human rabies cases globally; however, specific areas in the Americas show distinct epidemiological patterns.
- A significant decline in human rabies cases was noted from nearly 300 cases in 1990 to fewer instances by 2021 due to effective public health measures.
Trends Over Time
- Between 2012 and 2021, there was a notable decrease in human rabies cases while other species maintained consistent case numbers annually.
- In this five-year period (2017–2021), out of 90 recorded human rabies cases in the Americas:
- 50% were transmitted by bats,
- 11% by cats,
- 32% by other wildlife like foxes and mongooses.
Genetic Variants and Public Health Challenges
- Most cat-related rabies cases involved bat-derived viral variants; over half of all human cases stemmed from these genetic strains.
- Demographic data indicates that children represent one-third of affected individuals; males account for about 59% of total cases.
Ecological Changes and Control Measures
- Ecological changes pose challenges for controlling rabies among healthy domestic animals; public awareness programs are crucial to mitigate risks.
- Final considerations highlight ongoing challenges related to ecological shifts affecting wildlife populations living near urban areas.