Rabies is an acute infectious disease of the nervous system specifically
in the brain. This disease is known to be the 12th leading cause of
death worldwide based on the World Health Organization. Rabies is primarily
transmitted from bites of infected animals.
Prevalence from different animals:
- Dog – 98%
- Cat – 1.3%
- Other s – <1%
A shocker for everyone is that the disease can also be
transmitted via lick from the infected animal. The virus is present in the
saliva of a rabid animal and person. If there is a break in the skin that was
licked, the virus can travel up to the brain and cause rabies.
The incubation period when a person will manifest signs and
symptoms of rabies is mostly 20-90 days. At very rare cases will rabies
manifestations occur years after the bite. Until today, very rarely has a
person been able to recover from rabies after manifestation of the disease.
Initial signs and symptoms of Rabies:
- Pain< /li>
- Itching
- Numbness
Latesigns and symptoms:
- Aggressive and overactive behavior
- Fear of water and air (hydro and aerophobia)
- Comatose/paralysis leading to death
Home-based interventions:
- Once a person is bitten or an open-wound is licked by an
infected animal, clean the wound with generous amounts of soap and running
water. Let open wounds bleed to inject the saliva.
- Observe the animal that has bitten for rabid manifestations.
- Consult your doctor if you observe any of the following:
Animal
becomes wild and runs aimlessly
Animal
drooling
Bites
any object
Refuses
to eat or drink
Dies
within the observation period of 14 days.
- If the animal can’t be observed, consult the doctor
immediately.
- Prevention of rabies is responsible ownership for dogs and
animal control in the neighborhood. Animals should be admitted for anti-rabies
vaccination annually.
Doctor’sInterventions:
- Your doctor will assess the animal whether the animal is potentially
rabid.
- If bite was inflicted due to provocation, tease or
disturbing it during feeding, the doctor will advise to observe the animal for
14 days.
- If the bite is near the brain, like the face, back or
abdomen, vaccination is highly recommended for protection.