Diagnosis and management of rabies encephalitis in two patients in northwest Africa: A case series

Abstract

In persons bitten by a stray dog, prompt administration of post‐exposure rabies vaccination, anti‐rabies immunoglobulin, and wound care can save lives. However, rabies is often fatal once the patient develops signs and symptoms. Here, we describe two fatal cases of rabies following a long delay after dog bites.Poor knowledge about the risks of dog bites, late presentation to medical structures, and inadequate management contribute to high case‐fatality rates due to rabies in developing countries.