Rabies Case Confirmed in Eastern Romania – August 31, 2025
medecinedesvoyages.net
Patrick Gerome,01/09/2025
A case of locally-acquired human rabies has been reported in Romania’s Iași County. The case involves a patient who began exhibiting neurological symptoms in mid-June 2025. Hospitalization occurred nine days after symptom onset, and the patient unfortunately succumbed to the illness in mid-July.Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of rabies virus antigens and nucleic acid in samples taken from the patient’s saliva and cerebrospinal fluid. Post-mortem examination further detected rabies virus nucleic acid in central nervous system and skin tissue, alongside specific rabies virus antibodies in serum samples.
The patient had been bitten by a stray dog several months prior to the onset of symptoms, but did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis for either rabies or tetanus.
this marks the first instance of human rabies originating within Romania as 2012.
While the risk of rabies transmission to residents and visitors in eastern Romania remains low, vigilance is crucial. Avoiding contact with wild mammals and dogs of unknown vaccination status is strongly advised.
In 2024, Romania recorded 28 animal rabies cases: 11 in cattle, 9 in foxes, and 8 in dogs.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, cat, fox, bat, or other mammal in a region where the rabies virus circulates should instantly seek medical attention. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis is vital. This includes thorough wound care, vaccination, and possibly passive immunization with immunoglobulins, all of which are moast effective when administered as quickly as possible after exposure.
Pre-exposure vaccination against rabies should be considered for individuals at elevated risk of animal contact, based on individual risk assessment.
Source: European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Associated areas: Romania
