Man Dies of Rabies in Perpignan, France – A Case Not Seen in Decades
Perpignan, France - A man died of rabies at the Perpignan hospital centre on September 25th, marking an exceptionally rare case of the viral disease in France. The patient, who had recently returned from a stay in Morocco, was admitted to intensive care a week prior after developing severe symptoms, according to reports from L’Indépendant. Hospital officials have confirmed the diagnosis and launched an epidemiological inquiry to determine the source of the infection.
This case is critically important as rabies is considered virtually eliminated in western Europe due to widespread animal vaccination programs.However,the incident underscores the ongoing risk posed by international travel and the potential for exposure to unvaccinated animals. The last confirmed human case of locally acquired rabies in France dates back to 1924; imported cases are exceedingly rare.
The patient exhibited classic rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia (fear of water) and violent convulsions, as described by a witness quoted in reporting. Despite being placed in an artificial coma and receiving medical intervention, his condition deteriorated, and he ultimately succumbed to the disease. Following the patient’s death, a healthcare worker who experienced a potential exposure during treatment was immediately placed on a post-exposure prophylaxis protocol – a series of rabies vaccinations.
While human-to-human transmission of rabies is not known to occur, the hospital proactively offered preventative vaccination to all staff who had been in contact with the patient. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the High Authority for Health (HAS) visited the hospital to oversee safety protocols and ensure the well-being of the medical team.
The origin of the infection remains under investigation. Authorities are focusing on the possibility that the man was bitten or scratched by an animal during his time in Morocco. Scarifications observed on the patient’s back are being examined as a potential point of entry for the virus.The epidemiological survey is being coordinated by the ARS and the Pasteur Institute.
“Such a case is extremely rare in France, but it raises public health issues that deserve to be brought to the attention of the public,” a hospital witness told L’Indépendant.This case follows another recent instance of imported rabies,where a woman,Yvonne,died in June after being scratched by a puppy during a vacation in Morocco,as reported by La Depeche.
Health officials emphasize the importance of rabies awareness, particularly for travelers visiting regions where the disease remains endemic, and the necessity of vaccinating pets before international travel.
