DF has two cases of rabies in bats and Health intensifies care

The Federal District Health Department has confirmed two cases of rabies in bats. A risk advisory states that on the 5th, a laboratory test report tested positive for rabies in a bat collected in the Sobradinho administrative region. Three days earlier, another report had returned a positive result for a bat collected in Planaltina.

Both bats are of the species Artibeus lituratus , known as the white-faced bat, which feeds on fruit. The animals that tested positive, according to the department, had contact only with dogs, "and no human exposure was observed."

“Given the current epidemiological scenario, which highlights the circulation of the rabies virus in bats in the Federal District, and considering the extremely high lethality of the disease – approximately 100% – it is essential to intensify prevention, surveillance and control measures,” the Health Department reported.

The statement also stated that over the next few days, health authorities will be installing bat traps for laboratory testing. Residents are advised to report any bats in public or private areas if they come into direct contact with them or encounter them immediately so appropriate measures can be taken.

Other important recommendations listed by the secretariat to the population include:

• contact the zoonosis team by calling (61) 3449-4432/4434 or by calling Disque Saúde (160) if you find fallen or suspicious bats or wild animals and do not try to collect or handle them;
• annual vaccination of dogs and cats, carried out in campaigns promoted by the secretariat itself, as well as the vaccination of livestock, monitored by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Supply and Rural Development (Seagri);
• avoid touching, feeding or housing wild animals, since the circulation of the virus in free-living species cannot be accurately determined, making it impossible to guarantee that the animal is healthy;
• In cases of accidents involving bats, wild animals or unknown animals, the wound should be washed with soap and water and the nearest health unit should be sought to assess the need for prophylaxis with a vaccine.

More information about rabies and rabies prophylaxis, as well as animal collection actions and available vaccination sites, can be found on the DF Health website .

If in doubt, we recommend contacting the responsible technical area by telephone (61) 3449-4439 or by email.

The disease

According to the department, rabies is a disease caused by a Lyssavirus that causes progressive and fatal encephalitis in mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted through contaminated saliva, from bites, scratches, or even licks from infected animals.

At the site of the injury, the virus reaches the nerve endings and migrates through the peripheral nerves until it reaches the brain and salivary glands, where it is eliminated.

Once the neurological condition develops, it leads to death in virtually all cases. There is no proven effective treatment for rabies , only experimental protocols of limited clinical significance—there are only five recorded cures worldwide, with severe and permanent sequelae.

“Therefore, the only strategy for controlling the disease in humans is to implement prophylaxis regimens with vaccine and serum, in accordance with international recommendations and those of the Ministry of Health,” the secretariat emphasized.