Confirmed rabies case in dog in France Published March 5, 2008 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airmen who traveled to certain areas of France between Oct. 29, 2007 and Feb. 19 may have been exposed to rabies. The U.K. Health Protection Agency has been notified of a confirmed case of rabies in a dog, diagnosed in France Feb. 26. The French authorities have identified Grandpuits, Gers, Tarbes and Lisieux as potential risk areas where people may have been exposed to rabies. Any Airmen who think they may have been exposed to the virus during that time should report to the 48th Medical Group. Airmen should also take caution when traveling to these areas. Rabies is a fatal viral disease of the nervous system caused by a rhabdovirus which can affect all mammals including humans. Laboratory testing by the French authorities confirmed the dog has a viral strain of Moroccan origin. According to the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the disease is usually spread by saliva from the bite of an infected animal. Clinical signs include paralysis and aggression leading to a painful death. The HPA has been in close contact with French authorities, and is advising the U.K. public that any person who has had a significant exposure (bites, scratches or licks to mucous membranes or broken skin) in the effected areas from Oct. 29 to Feb. 19 should seek a medical assessment. According to Maj. Juan Leon, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health chief, the medical group goes above and beyond when tracing potential rabies exposures. "Public health keeps track of all bites and scratches on a daily basis and we did not receive any potential rabies exposure reports that occurred in France during that period," he said. "The likelihood of exposure to (Air Force) personnel is low." For more information, visit the U.K HPA Web site http://www.hpa.org.uk or contact public health at 226-8777.