Human Rabies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights into Rabies Worldwide and Brazil

Human rabies (HR) manifests as acute progressive encephalitis caused by the rabies virus (RABV), a single-stranded RNA virus belonging the genus Lyssavirus of the family Rhabdoviridae. Transmission of HR occurs via the saliva of a rabid animal, most often through bites. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of human rabies cases is increased because of the cancellation or disruption of dog vaccination campaigns, vaccine shortages, reduced animal testing, an increase in the stray dog population, and a rise in animal bites have all contributed to its resurgence. HR is still a disease with a 100 % fatality rate, so there are the risks associated with neglecting HR to focus on COVID-19. The solution to HR involves various areas of expertise, incorporating the One Health approach, social education, and public health measures.

(RN)