An 11-month-old Russian boy has fallen ill after being bitten by a stray cat while visiting Turkey with his family.
The infant was covered in red spots and suffered severe complications after receiving medical treatment, according to Russian news outlet Baza.
The child's mother, Umida, said the stray cat frequently visited the family during their stay in Turkey. The family did not chase the animal away, but the cat eventually bit the 11-month-old boy. Following the bite, the infant ran a fever for two consecutive nights, leading his parents to seek medical help.
Doctors who examined the baby took blood samples and discovered clear signs of an infection in his system. Medical staff administered rabies and tetanus vaccinations to the infant and prescribed a course of antibiotics.
However, the child's condition deteriorated rapidly after receiving the treatment. Red spots spread across his entire body and he developed diarrhea. Medical staff had to stabilize the baby using intravenous drips.
Medical concerns and ongoing care
Doctors in Turkey are now insisting that the infant complete the full series of rabies vaccinations. However, his parents said they fear that continuing the vaccination course could cause their son's condition to worsen further. The boy remains under the care and observation of medical staff.
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis typically requires a structured series of vaccinations to prevent the virus, which attacks the central nervous system. Tetanus immunizations are also standard procedure after animal bites to protect against dangerous bacterial toxins. Medical guidelines advise international travelers to avoid contact with stray animals, as animal bites can transmit serious pathogens.
Turkey is a popular destination for Russian tourists, where street animals, particularly cats, are a common presence in public spaces and holiday resorts. Incidents involving animal bites during travel can lead to complex medical situations and substantial financial costs for tourists.
Baza noted a similar case in February, when a Russian woman was hospitalized in Thailand with suspected rabies after petting a street cat. Her treatment abroad cost approximately 30,000 rubles.
Medical staff continue to monitor the Russian boy in Turkey as decisions are made regarding his ongoing rabies treatment.
