Controlling Rabies In Human

Rabies is a disease affecting both humans and animals; humans develop the disease by exposure to an infected animal.

The rabies virus is secreted in the saliva of an infected animal, which transfers it to humans and other animals by a bite.

Dog bites are the main source of rabies in humans.

Rabies in human affects the brain and spinal cord and can lead to encephalitis and death. Rabies is a preventable disease but it is also un-treatable.

Of the 55,000 deaths that occur each year from rabies, almost all occur in Africa and Asia. About 50% or more of these are children under 15 years. Stray dogs are the principal cause of rabies in these cases.


What if I am exposed to rabies?
The likelihood of developing rabies will depend on the nature and the type of exposure.
The bite is any penetration of the skin by the teeth, and is the way rabies is transmitted.

All bites pose a threat, but the risk varies with the type of animal, the site of the bite and the extent of the wound.


Prevention
Prevention is the key to eradicating the disease. The most cost effective way is the immunization of all dogs and cats.

Other preventive actions are.
• Vaccination of high risk individuals.
• Wound Management
• Post exposure immunization

High risk Individuals-Pre-exposure immunization is recommended for high risk individuals such as veterinarians, those traveling to endemic countries and students entering veterinary school.

Wound Management-Proper wound management is important. Studies have shown that wound cleansing without other post-prophylaxis reduces the risk of developing the disease. Treatment must begin immediately, soon after the exposure.
• Wash the wound for about 10 minutes with soap and water.
• See a health professional without delay.
• Report the bite to public health authorities.
• If possible safely isolate the animal in a contained place

Post-exposure immunization will be administered based on the type of exposure and the animal involved. Those who have never been vaccinated against rabies will have both a human immune globulin and a rabies vaccine. Those who have been previously vaccinated will be given the rabies vaccine only. If you have not received tetanus vaccine in 10 years you will be given a tetanus booster. Each case will be assessed for the need for antibiotic. Closing of the wound will be the decision of the physician.

Signs and Symptoms in Human
Rabies is a preventable but untreatable disease. Once symptoms develop the disease is fatal.

Although most people develop signs and symptoms within 4 weeks, symptoms in humans may not appear before a year. Early symptoms may include:
• Pain, numbness or burning at the site
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety or agitation

Later on hallucinations, delirium, spasms of the muscles, face, neck or diaphragm may be apparent. In some cases such as rabies from bats paralysis may be the only symptom.

Controlling Rabies
If you are a pet owner your responsibility is in taking care of the pet. To reduce your chance of exposure to the virus, you want to be cautious in handling animals.
• Do not allow your pets to roam
• Do not keep wild animals as pets, it may be illegal
• Even if a rabid animal appears tame, don’t go near it
• Have your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies
• Report any animal acting bizarrely to local animal control
• Consider animal birth control for your dogs and cats to prevent unwanted pets
• Supervise children when they are around dogs


With the use of correct preventive actions it is possible to eradicate the disease completely. Pet owners have a responsible position in making this possible.