Understanding Rabies
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral diaease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal*.The Rabies virus affects the central nervous system, primarily causing inflammation of the brain and leading to death if not treated promptly.
Causes of Rabies
Rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal.*
The primary carriers of the rabies virus are wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks ,foxes and dogs. However any mammal can contract and spread rabies.
Symptoms of Rabies: A Detailed Breakdown
Rabies is a progressive disease, with Symptoms that evolve over time. The period between the bite of a rabid animal and the appearance of symptoms, known as the incubation period, can vary from a few days to several months. It depends on factors like –
- The location of the bite (bites closer to the head and central nervous system tend to show symptoms faster),
- The amount of virus introduced.
- Any existing immunity
Early Symptoms
These symptoms might be non-specific and can be mistaken for flu or other illnesses:
- General Malaise
- Fever and Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue and Lethargy.
- Muscle Aches
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
Progressive Symptoms
As the virus travels through the central nervous system, more specific and severe symptoms appear:
- Agitation and Anxiety
- Confusion and Disorientation
- Hallucinations:( Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there).
- Insomnia: (Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep).
- Partial Paralysis: Often starting at the site of the bite or scratch and then spreading.
- Hydrophobia (Fear of Water): This is a hallmark symptom of rabies. Individuals might panic or become agitated when presented with water.
- Aerophobia (Fear of Fresh Air): Another unique symptom where there’s fear or agitation when exposed to moving air.
- Hypersalivation and Frothy Saliva
- Difficulty Swallowing
Terminal Phase
If left untreated, rabies will progress to its terminal phase:
Convulsions and Seizures:
- Coma
- Respiratory Failure: This is often the cause of death in rabies patients
Prevention and Vaccination Against Rabies: A Closer Look
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear but it is also entirely preventable through proactive measures and timely interventions. Here’s a detailed overview:
Primary Prevention Strategies
- Vaccinate Pets and Domestic Animals:
- Ensure that dogs, cats and ferrets are regularly vaccinated against rabies.
- In many regions, it’s also advisable to vaccinate livestock.
- This not only protects the animals but also creates a buffer between wild rabies reservoirs and humans.
- Awareness and Education:
- Communities, especially in rabies-endemic areas, should be educated about the risks associated with wild animals.
- Information on what to do if bitten or scratched by an animal can save lives.
- Avoid Contact with Wild or Stray Animals:
- Wild animals can be carriers of the rabies virus. It’s best to avoid direct contact.
- Stray animals, especially dogs in certain regions, can be a major source of rabies transmission to humans.
- Secure Living Areas:
- Ensure that homes and living areas are free from potential entry points for bats and other wildlife.
- Use window screens and seal gaps in homes and buildings.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
- Immediate Wound Care:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes.
- Medical Consultation:
- Seek medical advice immediately after a potential exposure, even if the wound appears minor.
- PEP involves a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent the virus from progressing.
Vaccination
- Pre-exposure Vaccination:
- Targeted mainly for those at higher risk of exposure such as veterinarians, animal handlers, rabies laboratory workers, spelunkers, and travellers to areas with high rabies incidence.
- The pre exposure prophylaxis vaccine schedule is a 3 dose series given as 1.0 ml IM injection on days 0,7 and 21 or 28.
Post exposure prophylaxis
- Given to individuals after potential exposure to rabies.
- The vaccine should be given as soon as possible after an exposure but may be effective any time before symptoms begin.
- If you have not been vaccinated against rabies in the past, you need 4 doses of rabies vaccine over 2 weeks (given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14).
- Rabies vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG):
- Along with the vaccine, individuals who haven’t been previously vaccinated may receive RIG,which will provide immediate antibodies until the body can respond to the vaccine by actively producing antibodies of its own.
- If possible, the full dose of HRIG should be thoroughly infiltrated in the area around and into the wounds.
- Any remaining volume should be injected intramuscularly at a site distant from vaccine administration.
Conclusion
While rabies is a serious and often fatal disease, it’s also preventable. Awareness, proper precautions and timely medical intervention can go a long way in ensuring safety for both humans and animals.
* CDC
