Veracruz Issues Health Alert Over Human Rabies Death

Jesús Carranza, Veracruz — A person has died from suspected human rabies in the municipality of Jesús Carranza, in southern Veracruz, following a bite from a hematophagous bat, Mayor Ranferi Plata Rodríguez reported.

The mayor, who is also a veterinarian, detailed to local media that this is a case of human paralytic rabies, an uncommon but highly lethal form of the disease.

He said the person was bitten by a bat in the municipality of Isla.

“Unfortunately, in Isla, a death from human rabies associated with contact with a bat was recorded,” Plata Rodríguez stated.

Plata Rodríguez warned that the border area with Oaxaca presents risk conditions due to the abundance of caves that serve as bat shelters.

He mentioned that this not only affects human health but also poses a risk to local livestock, due to the possibility of bovine paralytic rabies.

“We are in a region with many caves and a high presence of bats, so it is necessary to establish a strategy that allows us to advance in the control and eventual eradication of rabies,” the mayor explained.

The identity of the deceased person remains protected, as do their age and gender, but a health alert has been issued based on the case.

Ranferi Plata emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after any bite from a wild animal.

To prevent new infections, the mayor announced that he will seek coordination with neighboring municipalities such as Sayula de Alemán, Hidalgotitlán, and Uxpanapa, and with the State Health Secretariat, to send vaccines and maintain prevention actions.

“I am a veterinarian and have worked in animal health throughout my career; in this case, together with Dr. Marilú Méndez, a rabies specialist, we are coordinating preventive actions to protect the population and livestock,” added Plata Rodríguez.

So far, the Veracruz State Health Secretariat has not issued information regarding the case, but the mayor assured that they remain in contact.