Rabies is a very serious condition caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. Without treatment, rabies is fatal in almost 100% of recognized cases. Rabies-related fatalities can be avoided with administration of a vaccine if diagnosed and treated before symptoms appear.
Although rabies infections in humans are relatively uncommon, the risk does exist. As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer there is an increased chance of contact between humans and wild animals.
Rabies can be contracted by being bitten or scratched by an infected animal as the virus is primarily spread when saliva is transferred from one animal to another. The disease can also be contracted by handling or petting a rabid creature and then transferring the saliva by touching a mucous membrane (eyes, nose or mouth). The disease can stay also virulent for a long period of time on the carcass of a dead mammal.
Animals can incubate the virus for up to seven months after exposure before exhibiting any symptoms. Death typically occurs between one and 17 days after symptoms are evident.
Symptom of Rabies
The fast moving and often severe signs of infection include the following;
- fever
- headache
- trouble swallowing
- drooling
- muscle spasms
- weakness
- bizarre behavior
- coma
Avoiding Rabies
Rabies can be carried and transmitted to humans by any mammal. Bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are just a few examples of the species that can carry the virus. It is also possible to be exposed to the disease by an infected domestic animal such as a dog, cat or horse.
Prevention is certainly the best method of reducing exposure risk
- Do not touch live or dead wild animals.
- Ensure homes and cabins are secure and bat-proof.
- Maintain current rabies vaccines for all pets.
- Do not let pets outside without supervision and ensure that they are in kennels or on leashes when leaving the yard.
- If a pet returns home with a wild animal in its mouth, wear gloves before disposing of the carcass.
- Should saliva be present on a pet after contact with another animal, wear gloves and thoroughly wash the pet to remove all traces of spit.
- Teach children not to touch any animal they do not know, wild or domestic.
- Notify local animal control authorities if an animal is observed behaving strangely.
Steps to Take if Someone Might be Exposed
Anyone that has been scratched or bitten by a wild animal or has handled or touched one should seek medical advice, especially if the animal exhibited any strange behavior.
- Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Flush any wounds for at least five minutes under running water.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid any risk of further exposure but if possible, obtain the animal or carcass to allow for conclusive rabies testing to be done.
- If a pet might have some into contact with an unvaccinated domestic animal or a wild mammal seek veterinary attention immediately.
Rabies is a very serious disease that should not be taken lightly. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of infection to ensure that the risk of exposure is minimized.
Amanda Jacobs - Amanda is an experienced writer and trainer and is happy to be able to combine both passions here at Suite101.
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