A tragic case of rabies has been reported in Lviv, where a woman from Volyn region died in an infectious disease hospital after being bitten by a stray kitten she picked up from a cemetery. The bite was initially ignored by both the woman and her doctors.
According to Tamila Aleksanyan, head of the 4th diagnostic department, the patient was transferred to the Lviv infectious disease hospital in early November after her condition worsened at a hospital in Volyn, where she was originally treated for suspected encephalitis.
Upon arrival in Lviv, she was placed in intensive care, but soon developed classic rabies symptoms:
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extreme agitation,
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full-body muscle spasms,
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excessive salivation,
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followed by the paralytic stage.
The woman was put on a ventilator, but passed away on November 9.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how deadly rabies can be and how crucial timely post-exposure treatment is after animal bites.
How to prevent rabies infection
❗Key prevention tips:
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Avoid contact with stray or wild animals. Teach children not to touch, feed, or play with unknown animals.
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Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies regularly.
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If bitten or licked by a suspicious or wild animal:
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wash the wound thoroughly with warm water and household soap,
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disinfect the edges with alcohol or iodine (avoid using hydrogen peroxide),
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cover the wound and see a doctor immediately for post-exposure rabies treatment.
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If bitten by a known domestic animal, ensure it undergoes veterinary observation.