Rabies

A rhabdovirus of the genus lyssavirus is the causative agent of rabies. It is considered as fatal once signs and symptoms will appear. There are two kinds of rabies, the canine that being transmitted by dogs, cats and livestock while sylvatic rabies that is a disease of bats and wild animals. Prevalence rates increases every year because of lack in awareness. The common mode of transmission is through bites by a rabid animal whose saliva has the virus. Airborne is also possible in caves were bats usually occurred. Transmission of man to man is possible through the saliva and scratch in the skin. The incubation period of rabies will take two to eight weeks. The brain is the target of the virus. The period of communicability for animals is three to ten days before onset of signs.

All warm blooded specie is susceptible and natural immunity in man is unknown to be activated when exposed to rabies. The other name of rabies is hydrophobia because animals with this virus have a fear from water.

The signs and symptoms of a man that is positive with rabies are headache that is not curable even if analgesic is taken, fever and muscle spasms. Paralysis will occur if immediate treatment is not being given. Delirium and convulsions occur after four days of exposure. Death due to respiratory arrest and medical intervention is not given. A client with rabies will have a life span of two to six days if not given an attention for medical service. For patients who will survive the life span will eventually lead to psychosis and prolonged sacrificed.

Management can be washing the wound immediately with soap and water. Povidone iodine and alcohol must be applied for antiseptic effect. The patient should be given anti-tetanus and antibiotics in the hospital or near health center. Observe for the dog at least fourteen days if the behavior of the dog will change this is a positive sign that the rhabdovirus or rabies is present. Active immunization against rabies will lasts for three years.

Responsible pet ownership will be one way to reduce cases of rabies. Have pet immunized at three months of age and make it a habit every year. Never let your pets roam the streets and it is very important to take good care of your pet. Bathe, feed them regularly with clean and adequate food and provide your pet a clean sleeping quarter. Manpower development to reduce the rate of rabies was provided by government institutions such as trained health workers will conduct surveillance in each place to give free anti-rabies vaccination to every pet in each household. There are animal diagnostic laboratories to help determined the pets that have rabies virus.