What is Rabies
Rabies is A viral disease commonly contracted from a bite from a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death
The CausesBites from animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes infected with the Rhabdovirus
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The Symptoms fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.
he acute period of disease typically ends after 2 to 10 days |
The TreatmentIf you have been exposed to the virus (bitten or scratched), shots (called post-exposure prophylaxis) can be effective at preventing the disease, as long as they are received as soon as possible.
Post-exposure prophylaxis is available worldwide, but it is often difficult to obtain. There is no specific treatment for rabies once symptoms appear. . |
Prevention
Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care. Yet, more than 55,000 people, mostly in Africa and Asia, die from rabies every year – a rate of one person every ten minutes.
The most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs. Children are often at greatest risk from rabies. They are more likely to be bitten by dogs, and are also more likely to be severely exposed through multiple bites in high-risk sites on the body. Severe exposures make it more difficult to prevent rabies unless access to good medical care is immediately available.
This major source of rabies in humans can be eliminated through ensuring adequate animal vaccination and control, educating those at risk, and enhancing access of those bitten to appropriate medical care.
The most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs. Children are often at greatest risk from rabies. They are more likely to be bitten by dogs, and are also more likely to be severely exposed through multiple bites in high-risk sites on the body. Severe exposures make it more difficult to prevent rabies unless access to good medical care is immediately available.
This major source of rabies in humans can be eliminated through ensuring adequate animal vaccination and control, educating those at risk, and enhancing access of those bitten to appropriate medical care.
- Travellers should not:
- attempt to pick up, pet, feed or handle unfamiliar animals.
- attract or approach wild or stray animals.
- handle bats, including if inside caves, or spelunking.
- Always closely supervise children around animals, especially dogs, cats and wildlife such as monkeys.
- Vaccinate your pet
- Maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife
- Spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals
- Report any stray or ill animals to animal control
Recommended VaccineThis text is to help your site visitors with pressing questions. To edit simply click on text.
The timing for rabies boosters varies based on the type of rabies vaccine you are receiving.
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Who Should Get The Vaccine?
You should receive your first pre-exposure rabies vaccine at least 28 days before your trip. Two booster doses are required within 28 days of the first dose. If you cannot complete all three doses before your trip, it is best to abstain from the vaccine.
Post-exposure rabies vaccination is given after a bite or other potential contamination. If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Post-exposure rabies vaccination is given after a bite or other potential contamination. If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention as soon as possible.