The 28th of September 2010 is World Rabies Day and yet a large amount of people are still unaware of its cause and the effect it may have. Rabies is a virus and can affect humans just as much as animals. The first thing that comes to mind is ‘foaming at the mouth’.
Rabies is classified as a virus that can cause sudden inflammation of the brain. It is transmitted by infected animals to humans through a bite or contact with the human mucosa. Rabies can be fatal unless fast emergency medical care is administered. Usually post-exposure prophylaxis is administered to a patient after being bitten by a suspicious animal, prior to the victim showing severe symptoms.
It is common for the disease to present itself at first with flu-like symptoms for approximately two to twelve weeks after a bite, but it could be longer. The symptoms following are much more severe, including brain dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, terror, hallucinations and abnormal behaviour. During later stages of the disease the infected patient is most likely to present with the inability to swallow and hyper-salivation coupled with tears. It is usually during this stage where the most common phenomenon takes place and the patient becomes scared of water, or also known as hydrophobia. This is largely due to the effect that the patient’s jaw becomes slowly paralysed and difficulty in swallowing increases; therefore the patient might panic when presented with fluids to drink as he or she cannot quench their thirst.
A patient is most likely to die from the disease if he or she is left untreated.
Prevention is always better than cure – all human reported cases of Rabies were fatal until a vaccine was developed in the late 1880’s by Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux. Today there are pre-exposure immunizations available in both humans and animals.
It is important that pets are immunized for Rabies to prevent them from possible infection. This should occur yearly.
If you suspect that your pet contracted the virus (because of an outbreak in the area, and sudden change in your pet’s behaviour) – you should contact your local NSPCA or Vet as soon as possible and keep away from the animal in order to avoid unnecessary bites.
Do not play with animals you are unfamiliar with, especially in the wild. Also, keep children away from violent and aggressive pets. If in doubt – ask or get help!
First aid for Animal bites:
Always seek medical attention if there is a break in skin (especially if there is a reported rabies outbreak in your area).
Wash the wound well with soap (preferably iodine based unless allergy exists) and water.
Control wound bleeding.
Remember, as the care giver you need to take the necessary precautions for yourself against blood and other body fluids (wear gloves)
Your doctor will administer immunoglobulin around the wound as well as a vaccine if you’ve not been vaccinated in the past year.
Your doctor will also decide on whether it is necessary to administer any other vaccines and treatment when he sees you.