A 68-year-old man from Tonila, Jalisco, contracted rabies after being bitten by a cow in May 2025.
Although Mexico became the first country in the world to receive validation from WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem. (Mexico is free from human rabies transmitted by dogs), the virus circulates in the country:
In 2024, rabies was confirmed in 257 cattle, 14 horses, 6 sheep, 1 goat, 23 hematophagous bats (Desmodus rotundus), 3 insectivorous bats, and 1 frugivorous bat.
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals and do not feed them! Travelers are advised to get a pre-exposure vaccination, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals working with animals, riding two-wheelers, visiting remote areas, young children, cave explorers, or anyone who may come into contact with bats.
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!