About Rabies

What strikes first to your mind when you hear ‘rabies’? A dog bite that leads to death – most of us have the same thought. Ever wonder how these happy and innocent animals can transmit such a fatal disease? Well, let us understand better by learning about the disease. Rabies is a deadly disease caused by rabies virus, which mainly affects the animals. This disease can be transmitted to humans through the infected saliva of the animals via bites or scratches. The virus infects the central nervous system of the mammals and causes various symptoms. If the person is not treated immediately, the disease can spread to the brain and cause death. However, this disease can be prevented by vaccines.

Transmission

The infection spreads when an infected animal bites or scratches a human being. However, the infection is not spread by touching or feeding the animal, or when the animal licks. A majority of the rabies cases are caused by dog bites. But other animals like cats, monkeys, bats, wolves, and jackals can also transmit the disease. Rarely, the infection can spread when the saliva contacts an open wound or the mucous membranes, like the eyes or mouth. This may happen when an animal licks an open cut on the skin.

Bitten??

• Wash the wound with soap and water.
• Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
• Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
• Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
• Follow your doctors instruction
• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.