News
4 March 2008
Canine rabies in France
On 26 February 2008 the Pasteur Institute in France confirmed a case of rabies in a dog from Grandpuits (Seine-et-Marne) in the outskirts of Paris. This dog was euthanised on 19 February and is considered to have been infectious for rabies from 1 February. The rabies virus is a canine strain of Moroccan origin [1]. Following a veterinary investigation, a further two dogs were identified which were suspected to have died from rabies [2].
Four areas where the dogs were known to have visited have been identified [3], the risk of exposure to rabies in these areas is considered ongoing:
| Geographical areas of risk | Risk period |
|---|---|
| Tarbes city and surroundings in Hautes-Pyrénées | 25 October 2007 - ongoing |
| Auch and surroundings in Gers | 1 November 2007 - ongoing |
| Seine-et-Marne | 15 December 2007 - ongoing |
| Lisieux city and Thury Harcourt village and their surroundings in Calvados | 15 December 2007 - ongoing |
A full list of villages considered at risk in Seine-et-Marne can be found on the Health Protection Agency website.
Advice for Travellers
The risk to humans from this incident is considered low, nonetheless the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is advising anyone who has sustained a dog bite while travelling or staying in the risk regions of France during the dates detailed above to seek prompt medical advice from their GP or NHS Direct.
Health practitioners should be vigilant in assessing people who report dog bites which occurred in the affected areas during the periods of risk and follow HPA guidance on managing exposures.
Until further information is available, travellers to the affected areas of France are advised to avoid contact with animals wherever possible and to seek early medical assessment in the case of bites, scratches or licks from dogs.
Contact numbers for expert advice are: in England, the HPA Virus Reference Department (020 8200 4400) or the Centre for Infections (020 8200 6868); in Wales, the National Public Health Service (029 20742178); in Scotland, Health Protection Scotland (0141 300 1100); and in Northern Ireland, the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control in the relevant Health Board or the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NI) (02890 263765).
The HPA is in close contact with the French authorities, who have undertaken a full risk assessment. Since the French investigations are ongoing the HPA will issue further advice on its website at http://www.hpa.org.uk/ as and when this becomes available.
Further information about rabies can be found on the NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet on rabies.
References
1. Ministry for Health Youth and Sports. Case of animal rabies in Seine-et-Marne. Recommendations for persons and animals in contact. 28 February 2008 [in French]. Accessed 3 March 2008. Available at: http://www.sante-jeunesse-sports.gouv.fr/actualite-presse/presse-sante/communiques/cas-rage-animale-seine-marne-recherche-personnes-animaux-contact.html?var_mode=calcul#nh1
2. Ministry for Health Youth and Sports. Case of animal rabies. Identifying people and animals in contact. 29 February 2008. Accessed 3 March 2008 [in French]. Available at: http://www.sante-jeunesse-sports.gouv.fr/actualite-presse/presse-sante/communiques/cas-rage-animale.-recherche-personnes-animaux-contact.html
3. Health Protection Agency. Confirmed rabies case in dog in France, 3 March 2008. Accessed 3 March 2008. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpa/news/articles/press_releases/2008/0
Links
For country specific information about rabies risk please view the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages at: http://www.nathnac.org/ds/map_world.aspx
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