Rabies Virus Infection: A Case Series and Literature Review

Rabies is a fatal and often neglected disease leading to encephalomyelitis following a bite by an infected mammal. According to the necessity of rabies disease in Iran, we present four cases of rabies virus infection. 

We presented 4 cases of rabies virus infection hospitalized in different hospitals in Iran in 2021-2022. Three patients were male. The youngest patient was 6 years old and the oldest was 81 years old. In all 4 cases, RT-PCR detected the positive virus infection. Three cases received rabies immunoglobulin. All of them received at least one dose of rabies vaccination; but, unfortunately, all patients died.

The present case series showed the necessity of early rabies vaccination and also the early organization of stray dogs in the community. Unfortunately, two cases were lost to follow-up. So, the population education and follow-up of suspected rabies patients must be taken seriously by healthcare facilities.