Enhancing Vaccination Programs and Staying Informed Before Travelling: Key to Preventing Cases Like the Rabies Death in Alicante

The death of an Alicante resident last Friday, after contracting rabies, has once again brought attention to a disease more common in other regions. It is also reminiscent of another era, as Spain has been considered rabies-free since 1978. However, the disease continues to cause around 60,000 deaths annually worldwide, particularly in African countries.

It was in this continent, specifically in Ethiopia, where Gabriel S. P. contracted rabies last summer after being bitten by a dog on his right leg. The fact that he was not vaccinated and had not consulted a healthcare professional in advance led to the worst possible outcome for the Alicante resident.

Experts emphasize vaccination programs as the main tool to achieve herd immunity against this and other infectious diseases. This is stated by Gonzalo Moreno del Val, president of the Alicante Veterinary College.

The expert highlights the crucial role of vaccination and health programs in preventing serious diseases like rabies, urging those travelling to exotic or developing countries to get informed about recommended vaccines. "Our proximity to countries endemic with rabies, such as some in Africa, means we must remain vigilant."

He also regrets that, until a few years ago, not all autonomous communities (which have transferred competencies in health matters) showed consensus in applying their vaccination programs, such as Catalonia and the Basque Country.

"Rabies is generally transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches," says Del Val, indicating that the possibility of the deceased Alicante resident transmitting the disease to others is practically non-existent.

Although the infection occurred in July last year, it was not until less than a month ago that symptoms intensified critically. The president of the Veterinary College acknowledges that it is "unusual" for the incubation period to extend so many months, though he admits various factors can alter this time, such as viral load, the body part bitten, or the patient's overall health.

He also notes that, had treatment been administered promptly after the bite, it is highly likely the outcome for the Alicante resident would not have been fatal. "It is essential to act urgently in suspected cases," explains the veterinary expert, who mentions that hyperimmune serum is typically administered in such situations.

"We can draw two conclusions from this case: that people travelling to risk areas should be well-informed and take precautions, and that national vaccination programs should remain active and well-structured, even if there are no recent cases, because the threat persists and prevention is the best defence," explains Del Val.