Is rabies present in monkeys in the Dominican Republic?

Rabies in Monkeys in the Dominican Republic

Rabies is present in monkeys in the Dominican Republic, as it is one of the Caribbean countries with documented mongoose rabies that can affect other mammalian species including non-human primates. 1

Rabies Epidemiology in the Dominican Republic

• The Dominican Republic is one of four Caribbean islands (along with Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Grenada) where rabies is endemic in the mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) population, which serves as a wildlife reservoir for the virus 1
• Mongoose rabies can be transmitted to other mammals, including non-human primates such as monkeys, making them potential carriers of the disease 1
• All reported case numbers of mongoose rabies in the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, are considered underestimates, with available information being incomplete 1

Risk Factors for Rabies Transmission from Monkeys

• Non-human primates (including monkeys) are considered dangerous animals that should not be used in exhibit settings where public contact is possible due to the pathogens they may carry, including rabies 2
• Monkeys can transmit rabies through bites, scratches, or contact with their saliva on mucous membranes or broken skin 2
• The breaking down of natural barriers between non-human primates and humans has increased exposure risks, particularly in areas where wildlife is hunted for meat or where tourism brings people into contact with primates 3

Rabies Prevention Recommendations

• Non-human primates (monkeys) should be considered high-risk animals for rabies transmission and should not be used for direct contact with humans 2
• All mammals in areas where rabies is endemic should be housed to reduce potential exposures from wild animal rabies reservoirs 2
• Mammals should be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, though for species where no licensed rabies vaccine exists, off-label use of vaccine might be considered after veterinary consultation 2

Management of Potential Exposures

• Any bite or scratch from a monkey in the Dominican Republic should be considered a possible rabies exposure 2
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure to maximize effectiveness 4
• Even with delayed recognition of exposure, PEP should still be initiated, as rabies incubation periods can be prolonged 4
• The current recommended PEP schedule for previously unvaccinated persons is 4 doses administered on days 0,3,7, and 14 4

Public Health Implications

• Rabies remains a significant public health concern in the Dominican Republic, requiring focused intersectoral response 5
• Rabies is highly fatal but preventable through proper vaccination and exposure management 6
• Travelers to the Dominican Republic should be advised to avoid contact with monkeys and other mammals that could potentially carry rabies 3

Important Considerations

• Wild animals and wild animal hybrids should not be kept as pets due to rabies risk 2
• Signs of rabies among wild animals cannot be interpreted reliably; therefore, any such animal that bites or scratches a person should be tested for rabies if possible 2
• Rabies PEP is ineffective once clinical signs of rabies develop in the exposed person, emphasizing the importance of prompt treatment after potential exposure 4