Exposure of US Travelers to Rabid Zebra, Kenya, 2011

Emily W Lankau,Nicole J Cohen,Gary W Brunette,Jesse D Blanton,Mark Obonyo,Joel M Montgomery,Charles E Rupprecht,Emily S Jentes,Samuel Kadivane,Danielle M Tack,Wences Arvelo,Nina Marano

doi:10.3201/eid1807.120081

Abstract

To the Editor: Rabies is an acute progressive encephalitis caused by infection with a lyssavirus (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) (1). Most human infections are caused by bites from rabid animals, but the virus also can be transmitted by contact of open wounds or mucous membranes with animal saliva (1,2). Prompt administration of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended to prevent rabies (3). Canids are common sources of human exposures in many regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America (4). However, all mammals are susceptible, including herbivores such as horses, cattle, and antelope (5–7).

Highlights

After travelers at a safari lodge in Kenya were exposed to a rabid zebra, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and international partners conducted
Twenty-eight (21%) US travelers had already initiated postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) when interviewed by state public health officials
CDC has not received any reports of human rabies in travelers exposed to the zebra in this incident

Summary

Introduction

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E91, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; email: cwinston@cdc.gov Exposure of US Travelers to Rabid Zebra, Kenya, 2011 Travelers might be unaware of exposure risks from less commonly affected species because prevention guidelines focus on avoiding contact with feral and wild carnivores (primarily dogs) and bats [2].

Results

Conclusion