In Belarus, for the first time in 13 years, a case of rabies in humans was recorded — with a fatal outcome

In Belarus, a case of rabies in humans was recorded for the first time in 13 years. It all ended in death. Anastasia Leshkevich, head of the department of especially dangerous infections of the epidemiology department of the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, told which doctor to contact if there was contact with a sick animal. Details — in the material of the correspondent of the agency "Minsk-news".

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According to the expert, in 2026, one case of human disease was recorded in the Mogilev region, which, unfortunately, ended in death.

"The patient suffered from contact with a sick animal: she was scratched or bitten," explained A. Leshkevich. "The woman failed to seek medical attention promptly and did not receive anti-rabies treatment, which is the only protection against the disease."

A center representative explained that rabies is an acute viral disease that can affect both animals and humans. The virus is fatal: there is not a single confirmed case of a human recovering from the onset of clinical symptoms worldwide. Infection occurs through bites, scratches, and drooling on broken skin or mucous membranes. Wild carnivores (foxes and wolves) are not the only sources of infection for humans.

— Cases of the disease are found even among rodents, squirrels and hedgehogs, — said the head of the department. — These seemingly harmless animals can also become a source of mortal danger to humans.

The specialist warned: the only reliable way to save life after contact with a suspicious animal is timely vaccination. By the way, about 20 thousand people annually apply for anti-rabies assistance in the country's health care organizations. And for the first 6 months of 2026, 12,954 appeals were recorded, of which 302 — after confirmed contact with animals with rabies.

"The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus has a sufficient supply of immunobiological drugs to immunize all individuals affected by contact with animals," assured A. Leshkevich.

According to the expert, anti-rabies treatment is prescribed strictly according to medical indications and consists of a course of vaccinations. However, in the most dangerous cases, when bites or injuries occur in areas with a high concentration of nerve endings, an enhanced treatment regimen is used.

— In case of injuries to the head, face, neck, hands, toes and genitals, in addition to the vaccine, the administration of rabies immunoglobulin is indicated in accordance with the instructions, — the head of the department drew attention. — This is necessary for the immediate neutralization of the virus at the site of its intended penetration. Important! Only a qualified specialist — a surgeon or a traumatologist — can determine the need for vaccination and prescribe a course of vaccinations.

The speaker warned that in no case should one refuse immunization or independently interrupt the course of vaccinations.

— How many injections the doctor prescribed, so many people should receive, — A. Leshkevich explained. — Typically, the standard regimen includes five or six injections of the vaccine at defined intervals according to the instructions for use.

The specialist also told who should be vaccinated against rabies:

In accordance with Ministry of Health regulations, preventive immunization is systematically administered to individuals whose work places them at high risk of exposure to sick animals. The following individuals are required to receive the vaccination schedule: veterinarians, foresters and gamekeepers, specialists from services that capture stray animals, and taxidermists.