The woman was injured by a marmoset and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Oswaldo Cruz university hospital in Recife
The Department of Health of Pernambuco (SES-PE) confirmed this Sunday, 12th, the death of 56-year-old woman hospitalized with a diagnosis of human rabies. According to the records, the patient died on Saturday morning, the 11th.
The 56-year-old woman, resident in Santa Maria do Cambucá, in the countryside of Pernambuco, was injured by a marmoset and was hospitalized in serious condition at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital of the University of Pernambuco (HUOC/UPE), in Coral reef.
According to the secretariat, the woman was admitted to hospital on December 31, complaining of numbness, pain and weakness, as well as a wound on her left hand. Two days after admission, the patient worsened, with agitation and respiratory failure, and was placed on mechanical ventilation.
The diagnosis was established by tests carried out at the Pasteur Institute of Saint Paula reference in the study of anger. The report also confirmed that the virus present in the patient had wild origins: the patient had had contact with marmosets in the urban area, after fires forced the animal to leave the forest.
It was the first case of human rabies in Pernambuco after eight years without reports of infections. Across Brazil, between 2010 and 2024, 48 cases of the disease were recorded, of which 24 were caused by bats, nine by dog bites, six by non-human primates, two by foxes, four by felines and one by cattle . Two had no definite origin.
What is human anger?
Rabies is an acute viral infectious disease caused by viruses of the genus Lyssavirus, with a mortality rate of approximately 100%. It is transmitted through bites, licks or scratches from infected mammals, which transmit the pathogen through saliva.
According to the Butantan Institute, annual vaccination of animals is considered the most effective form of prevention. There is also a vaccine for humans. It is recommended preventively for veterinarians, trainers and other professionals who are at increased risk of coming into contact with infected animals. However, it can be given to anyone after exposure to the virus, as a primary vaccination or as a booster dose.
In humans, the disease can take up to 45 days to manifest and the post-exposure vaccine induces the formation of protective antibodies, while the anti-rabies serum has the power to neutralize it. These are therefore important measures that should be taken as soon as possible in the event of injuries caused by animals.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
