Rabies, Human is a severe, almost always fatal viral infection of the brain and nervous system, caused by the Rabies virus (Lyssavirus). It primarily affects mammals and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs in endemic regions of Asia and and Africa.
Transmission methods vary. Please consult CDC or WHO resources for specific information.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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On 23 Feb 2026, a laboratory-confirmed rabies case caused the death of a domestic cat in Groși, Maramureș County. As of 25 Feb 2026, 18 animal rabies cases involving both wildlife and domestic species had been reported for 2026. Romania has experienced a resurgence of animal rabies following interruptions in oral fox vaccination campaigns after 2020, with cases increasingly concentrated near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova. Two rabies virus variants continue to circulate in the region, highlighting ongoing transboundary risk. No human rabies cases have been reported in Romania in 2026.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Timor-Leste is experiencing an escalating rabies outbreak with 22 human fatalities since the first detection in March 2024, including 20 deaths in 2025 alone, indicating sustained and expanding transmission across at least eight municipalities. The outbreak continues to spread geographically beyond border regions, with operational challenges including insufficient vaccination coverage, uneven post-exposure prophylaxis distribution, and healthcare access barriers contributing to ongoing transmission and preventable deaths.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
On 25 Jan 2026, a domestic dog in Rhineland-Palatinate died of rabies. The dog had been imported with vaccination documentation, but a post-mortem examination revealed it was younger than declared, making the import illegal and the vaccination invalid. Ongoing control measures, including movement restrictions, quarantine, contact tracing, and screening of exposed animals, are in place to prevent secondary transmission and maintain Germany’s rabies-free status, which has been in place since 2008.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Thailand’s first human rabies death of 2026 occurred in Rayong Province on 25 Jan 2026 and involved a Myanmar national who failed to seek post-exposure prophylaxis after a puppy bite in December 2025. This fatality continues the pattern observed in 2025, when seven preventable deaths were reported, all resulting from delayed or absent medical care after animal bites, with more than half transmitted by owned rather than stray dogs. The case underscores persistent challenges with healthcare access for vulnerable populations and inadequate pet vaccination coverage in Thailand, where rabies remains endemic.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-05
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