[Acute Flacid Paralysis and Encephalitis: A Deadly Combination. Report of the Latest Case of Human Rabies in Colombia: A Reminder of a Preventable Enemy].

INTRODUCTION

In countries with a low incidence of human rabies, this lethal virus is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis.

CLINICAL CASE: A young woman presented with fever and progressive weakness that evolved into flaccid quadriparesis, associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, multiple cranial neuropathy, and dysautonomia. The complementary tests and the unusual reflexes that accompanied the diagnosis of brain death are described. The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem by compatible histopathological findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Human rabies should be considered in cases of flaccid paralysis with encephalitis due to its implications for preventing further deaths through public health measures.