Encephalitis (brain infection) associated with animal bites has been described for many years in human history. The discovery of the rabies virus and vaccine by Pastor in the 19th century can be considered the beginning of a new era in Infectious Diseases and vaccination. Rabies usually occurs as a result of the bite or rarely scratching of a wild or domestic animal with rabies virus in its saliva, invading open wound tissues, then nerves, and settling in the brain along the nerves. The virus that settles in the brain causes dysfunction in the brain and causes death. Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Instructor Member Servet Öztürk made important statements about rabies.
WHEN DO RADIUS SYMPTOMS OCCUR?
For rabies, the time between contact and the onset of symptoms is directly proportional to the distance from the bitten area to the brain. For example, it may take 1-2 months for symptoms to occur in someone who receives trauma from the foot, while symptoms may begin within a few days in head and neck bites. The possibility of disease formation is almost non-existent by cleaning the wound immediately after the bite, washing the wound with plenty of soapy water, applying the vaccine and protective immunoglobulin. However, after contact with a rabies case (scratching, biting), death is almost inevitable as a result of not applying the above-mentioned protective procedures.
WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE IN CONTACT DO?
Rabies risky contact can be summarized as being bitten and scratched by a wild or domestic animal whose rabies vaccine cannot be proven. The individual exposed to rabies risky contact should first wash the wound with plenty of soap and water for 5-10 minutes. This process will ensure that the virus in the wound, if any, is cleaned and at least reduces its amount. Ideally, the patient with contact at risk for rabies should be referred to health institutions as soon as possible for wound care, rabies and tetanus prophylaxis. The shorter this period, the more effective the treatment will be.
IT CAN CAUSE DEATH IF NOT TAKEN
It should not be forgotten that rabies is a disease that can be prevented almost 100% with treatments such as wound care, vaccination and protective serum after contact, but it is a disease that causes death close to 100% if precautions are not taken. Vaccines are the cheapest and most beneficial medical procedures for human and public health, as in rabies. While the average human life expectancy was 30 200 years ago, today it has passed the 80s. It can be said that the biggest share in this increase is due to the widespread and correct use of vaccines. Share your risks such as age, additional disease, travel abroad for your vaccination needs with your physician.
DON’T IGNORE PETS VACCINATION
Do not neglect your pets’ rabies vaccination. Because in case of being bitten by an animal that has been vaccinated against rabies in the last 1 year, if the animal is followed up for 10 days and there is no sign of disease in the animal, there is no need for vaccination.