The last confirmed human case of rabies in Mexico, specifically transmitted by a wild animal (a bat or other wildlife), occurred in August 2025 in Zacatecas. However, the last human case of rabies transmitted by a dog was in 2005, making Mexico the first country validated by the WHO as free of dog-mediated human rabies.

When was the last case of rabies in Mexico?

The last human rabies case was reported in 2005 and Mexico is now on the way to being declared free of canine rabies as well, with no canine rabies (variant 1) cases reported since 2016. All states across the country are now required to carry out targeted dog vaccination, surveillance and testing of suspected animals.

How common is rabies in Mexico?

Not in Mexico! In 2019, Mexico got a big thumbs-up from the World Health Organization (WHO). They declared the country free of human rabies transmitted by dogs. Five years later, Mexico is still upholding this achievement.

Which country has zero rabies?

Among countries outside the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Norway (mainland), Switzerland and the United Kingdom are free of terrestrial rabies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Is rabies still fatal in 2025?

In terms of human cases, CDC data show there were zero reported in 2019 and 2020, five reported in 2021, zero in 2022 and 2023, four in 2024 and two so far in 2025. Rabies in humans is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

What Happens When a Human Gets Rabies?

Is 7 days too late for rabies vaccine?

Even if you have been bitten a few days, weeks or months ago, it is never too late to start. The rabies virus can incubate for several years before it causes symptoms. If you wait until you get symptoms, it will be too late – there is no treatment for established rabies …

Is Vietnam rabies free?

Rabies is still a significant health issue in Vietnam, with most cases linked to dog and cat exposures in rural communities. Understanding the current situation helps travellers and health professionals prepare better and reduce risk.

Is Mexico a low risk rabies country?

Traveling to The U.S. With Pets

Currently, Mexico is NOT on the list of high-risk countries for rabies.

How did Mexico eliminate rabies?

Despite having an estimated 24 million dogs living on the street, Mexico eradicated dog-mediated rabies. The country did so through continuous dog immunization campaigns, starting in the 1990s. You need to immunize at least 70 percent of the entire dog population to protect humans from rabies.

Do I need a rabies shot for Mexico?

Depending on what your plans are, you may also need additional immunisation for rabies and tetanus – make sure you speak to a travel nurse at least six weeks before your trip to discuss your needs. In certain parts of Mexico, malaria prevention is also required.

Is 3 shots of anti-rabies enough?

Around 95% of people who have 3 doses of the rabies vaccine will have some protection from rabies. How long the protection lasts can vary, but it usually lasts at least 1 or 2 years. People at continued risk of rabies may need 1 or more booster doses of the rabies vaccine to make sure they stay protected.

Why can't we cure rabies?

Why is there no cure for rabies? There's no cure for rabies once it's moved to your brain because it's protected by your blood-brain barrier. Your blood-brain barrier is a layer between your brain and the blood vessels in your head.

When did Japan eradicate rabies?

Rabies, which had been endemic in Japan since the 18th century, was successfully eradicated in 1957 through registration, confinement and compulsory vaccination of family dogs, and elimination of stray dogs.

Do cats in Mexico carry rabies?

Despite the Ministry of Health in Mexico administering around 18 million rabies vaccine doses yearly—80% allocated for canines and 20% for cats (Supplementary Materials) [17]—three human rabies cases transmitted by cats have been reported in the past years: one in the state of Quintana Roo in 2004 (RVV3), one in ...

Do monkeys carry rabies in Vietnam?

Rabies. Why it matters: Dogs, monkeys and bats can carry rabies in Vietnam. Immediate treatment is crucial if exposed.

How likely is rabies in Vietnam?

Patients with encephalitis from dog bites are rarely hospitalized; therefore, deaths may go unnoticed [12]. Approximately 100 Vietnamese die from rabies each year, and over 400,000 dog and cat bite cases must be vaccinated [13].

What is the 10 day rule for rabies?

The 10-day observation period for a biting dog, cat, or ferret is a standard public health practice to determine rabies risk: if the animal remains healthy for 10 days after biting someone, it wasn't shedding the rabies virus in its saliva at the time of the bite, meaning the exposed person usually doesn't need rabies post-exposure shots (PEP). This quarantine ensures the animal is available for monitoring, preventing unnecessary euthanasia for brain testing and avoiding expensive PEP for the bite victim if the animal stays healthy.
 

Does alcohol affect the rabies vaccine?

According to DOH Administrative Order No. 164, s. 2002, heavy alcohol consumption during rabies immunization should be avoided as it may interfere with the immune response to the vaccine.

Do I need a rabies shot if there was a bat in my house?

Yes, you likely need a rabies shot (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP) if a bat was in your house, especially if anyone was sleeping, a child, or an impaired person was present, or if there was any direct contact (bite, scratch, even waking up with it in the room), because bat bites can be tiny and missed; contact your health department and doctor immediately to arrange for the bat to be tested and to start PEP if exposure is suspected. 

Who rabies zero by 30?

Zero by 30: the global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Why eliminate rabies? An estimated 59 000 people die from rabies each year. That's one person every nine minutes of every day, 40% of whom...

Has a dog ever survived rabies?

A total of 1820 dogs and 332 cats that appeared ill or had bitten humans or animals were observed for ⩾10 days. Of these, 957 dogs and 94 cats that were confirmed to be rabid survived <10 days after admission to our institution.

---