This Is Bad, Really Bad...!

I always hate to hear a story like this in the news.

When ever an old disease makes it way back into the news after causing a death, it's a sad thing. As if we didn't have enough tragedy in our lives today, this ugly killer comes back from our past to call attention to itself by doing what it does best...killing!

In most cases here in the states now days, the proper treatment can bring health back into the picture. But, as we all know, this is one sickness you can't mess around with. Left untreated, death is certain!

Louisiana reports first human rabies death in 60 years

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals said a Hispanic field worker died over the weekend of rabies.

The victim was initially taken to a hospital in New Roads and transferred to New Orleans, where he later died.

Lisa Faust with DHH confirmed the case is the first human death in Louisiana attributed to rabies in more than 60 years.

The department reported it has contacted the victim's co-workers and tested them.

"We are in the process now of discussing the case with members from the hospital as well as his co-workers," said Marilyn Reynaud M.D. with the Office of Public Health.

Health officials are continuing to follow up on their treatment.

DHH added the man, who is unidentified at this time, contacted rabies in Mexico and brought it to the U.S.

"Rabies is rare in the U.S. Because of the incubation and the time from when he entered the country we are reasonably sure this was most likely contracted while he was still in Mexico. The epidemiology investigation is still going on. That investigation actually is in participation with Mexico through the Center for Disease Control," added Reynaud.

Disease experts with the CDC report all mammals are susceptible to rabies, but only a few species are important as reservoirs for the disease.

In the U.S., distinct strains of rabies virus have been identified in raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes.

Several species of bats are also reservoirs for strains of the rabies virus.

Transmission of rabies virus usually begins when infected saliva of a host is passed to an uninfected animal.

The most common mode of rabies virus transmission is through the bite and virus-containing saliva of an infected host.

One thing about any disease is that it doesn't care whether you're rich or poor, or what country you're from, or what you're politics are! When it strikes, it does so with equal abandon, respecting none.

Let's just hope that the old saying is NOT true...that "Misery loves company"!

Let's get some coffee and sit outside for a bit. Maybe we can see a silver lining hiding in some of those clouds above!