Jalisco remains vigilant against cases of rabies in animals, and therefore, authorities at different levels of government are urging the public to follow the recommendations and vaccinate their pets.
In the context of World Rabies Day, which is commemorated on September 28, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Jalisco urged the public to vaccinate dogs and cats and avoid contact with wild animals such as bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons, as they can transmit the virus through bites.
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) recognizes the vital contribution of milk to nutrition.
This year, two deaths were recorded: a 17-year-old girl from Zacatecas and a 68-year-old man from Jalisco, who were infected by different animals, demonstrating the latent risk.
The institution recommended seeking immediate medical attention after an attack and stated that the IMSS offers treatment, but it should be requested on an emergency basis.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or through contact of its saliva with open wounds or mucous membranes.
Symptoms include headache, hallucinations, excessive salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and confusion; in advanced stages, it can cause respiratory distress, coma, and death.
Rabies is preventable through pet vaccination, epidemiological surveillance, and timely medical care.
Free vaccination announced in Guadalajara
This Sunday, September 28, there will be a vaccination drive as part of World Rabies Day. Guadalajara offers two locations during the Vía Recreativa (Recreational Route):
San Jacinto Park (San Jacinto Avenue and Javier Mina) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kenvelo Veterinary Clinic (1593 Vallarta Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The public is asked to ensure that pets are at least five months old, healthy, and not pregnant.
Recent cases of rabies in humans
Since 1995, there have been no cases of human rabies from dog bites, and from 1996 to date, eight cases of rabies in humans transmitted by other species have been recorded. The most recent was in 2022, in a resident of the municipality of El Salto, who was infected in the municipality of Chapala by a bat.
The SSJ urges the public to keep their dogs and cats’ vaccination schedules up to date, as well as to respect wildlife and seek medical attention in the event of any animal bite, whether domestic, livestock, or wild.
Source: milenio
