RABIES
March is Rabies Awareness Month in accordance with Rep. Act 9482 which was signed into law on May 25, 2007. This observance aims to strengthen awareness on the prevention, control and management of rabies. This year’s theme “Barangay Kaagapay, Laban sa Rabies Tagumpay” urges Local Government Units (LGUs), especially the barangays, to do their part in fighting rabies.
This is a viral illness caused by the rabies virus which affects the brain and if left untreated, symptoms will progress and survival is rare. This virus can be transmitted through exposure to the saliva of any infected mammals.
Transmission:
- Animal bite
- Exposure of an open wound to saliva or infected animal
Common affected mammals:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Bats
- Cows
- Horses
Mammals without record of having rabies:
- Rodents
- Hamsters
Risk for pets:
This can affect any animal bitten or scratched by wild rabid animals. Unvaccinated pets like dogs and cats, when exposed to rabid animal should be euthanized immediately, or be placed in strict isolation for 6 months and be vaccinated 1 month before release.
Risk factors:
Risk is higher for people with direct contact with rabid animals.
Prevention:
- Eliminate rabies in dogs
- Regular dog vaccination
- - Preventive immunization for people prone to having direct contact with rabid animals
Early symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- General weakness
Advanced stage symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Muscle paralysis starting from the site of injury (bite)
- Excitation
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Hypersalivation
- Hydrophobia
*Survival is rare once these symptoms appear
Diagnosis
In animals, rabies can be diagnosed through conducting Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test. However, humans require several and extensive tests in order to diagnose whether he or she is infected with the rabies virus. It is important to note that accurate and rapid diagnosis is essential for timely administration of Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Treatment
Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
This refers to the immediate treatment given to bite victims after exposure to the rabies virus. Proper administration of this treatment can prevent the spread of virus into the Centra Nervous System (CNS). This treatment includes extensive washing and local treatment of the affected area as soon as possible; immediate and thorough washing for 15 minutes with soap and water, and application of povidone iodine and other substance that will kill the virus. This is then followed by a course of WHO approved vaccine which is to be administered by the patient’s physician.
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