Rabies Case in Diyarbakır: Warnings from Experts on Cat Rabies Transmission and Precautions

Ertuğrul stated that looking at historical data, there has been no case of cat-borne rabies in Türkiye in the last 10 years.

Adding that the intubation period for rabies is between 20 and 90 days, Ertuğrul said, "If there is a bite close to the head or brain, it can be shortened to 4 days. The possibility of rabies being caused by a cat is high, but in the meantime, rabies may have occurred after contact with another animal within a 4-month period." he said.

Underlining that in case of suspicious contact, immediately go to the rabies center and start getting vaccinated, Ertuğrul said, "If you have the opportunity, you should keep the animal under surveillance." he said.

Stating that it is protected against rabies for about 2 years with the rabies vaccine, Ertuğrul said, "If you are dealing with an animal whose vaccinations have been completed, let us say that there is no risk of rabies after biting and scratching. Because that animal has been vaccinated periodically." made his evaluations.

Diyarbakır Governorship reported that measures were increased in the region in question.

In the statement, it was stated that N.K. was scratched by a cat about 4 months ago, that he was admitted to the hospital after he became ill on August 10, and as a result of the examinations, the necessary samples were taken from the child with the suspicion of rabies.

In the statement, it was stated that as a result of the examination of the samples taken from the patient in the relevant reference laboratory, the test result was positive as of August 13 and this information was forwarded to the relevant institutions, and the following was noted:

"Following the detection of the case, contact screening and health checks were initiated in the region by the teams of the Provincial Health Directorate and Sur District Health Directorate, and the necessary rabies prophylaxis (emergency and life-saving medical treatment applied after bite or contact to prevent the transmission of rabies, a deadly virus, to humans) was started to be applied to people who were determined to be in contact. Information and training activities for citizens are also continuing in the region. Precautions were taken in the region by the teams of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the necessary field work was initiated. Relevant municipalities were informed and "The necessary work for homeless animals has been carried out immediately. The process regarding the case in question is being followed meticulously in coordination with our other institutions under the coordination of our Governorship."