How can a child in the Dominican Republic die from rabies?
Rabies is a serious viral infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. In the Dominican Republic, a specific case report documents the death of a child from Pedernales who developed signs of rabies in July 2018 5. This situation typically happens when a person is bitten by an animal carrying the virus, such as a dog or bat, and does not receive medical care quickly enough to prevent the infection from spreading.
What the research says
The virus enters the body through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. It travels through the nervous system to the brain. Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes severe inflammation and damage that leads to death 5. This process is the same regardless of the country, though the specific animal involved can vary. In the United States, deaths have occurred after bites from bats, dogs, or other animals, showing that any mammal can carry the virus 14.
What to ask your doctor
- What animals in my area are known to carry rabies?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Infectious Disease and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.