Rabies is among the contagious diseases and has fatal consequences. Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads to humans from the saliva of infected animals. The rabies virus is usually transmitted to other living things by biting. Rabies can be transmitted not only from cats and dogs, but also from many animals. Failure to intervene early in rabies causes the death of the patient. Vaccination is very important to prevent rabies.
ANIMALS AT RISK OF rabies
Among the species with the highest probability of catching and transmitting rabies in our country are domestic animals such as horses, donkeys, cows, goats, cats, and dogs, and wild animals such as bears, jackals, pigs, hedgehogs, skunks, moles, wolves, foxes, martens and bats.
HOW IS rabies transmitted?
of a rabid animal;
- biting or scratching,
- Contact of saliva with scratched or cracked skin, eyes, mouth and nose,
- It is transmitted by consuming raw meat and milk.
- Therefore, in case of suspicious bites, the animal is kept under observation for 10 days. The incubation period for rabies is between 5 days and 1 year, with an average of 1-2 months.
RADIUS SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of rabies may be similar to those of the flu and may persist for days. Signs and symptoms that occur after this initial stage include;
- Fire
- Headache
- Agitation
- confusion
- Anxiety
- excessive saliva production
- hallucinations
- hyperactivity
- Change in sensation in the bitten area
- Hemiplegia
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- There is a feeling of fear developed against drinking liquids due to difficulty in swallowing and swallowing.
HOW IS RABS DIAGNOSED?
There is no way to find out if an individual bitten by a rabid animal has been infected with the rabies virus before symptoms appear.
WHAT TO DO WITH ANIMAL BITES?
Individuals who have been bitten by an animal should seek medical attention, except for the possibility of rabies. Immediately after the bite, the wound should be washed gently with soap and plenty of water. This can help clear the virus. In the post-bite help process, the doctor will tell the individual about the situation, what the type of animal is, whether it is wild or domestic, who it belongs to, whether it is fully vaccinated, the behavior of the animal before being bitten, whether the animal bit without provocation, and whether the animal was caught after the bite. It will ask a variety of questions to understand.
IS THERE A TREATMENT FOR THE DISEASE?
Rabies is a disease that results in death after its clinical development. Rabies can be prevented with rabies prophylaxis practices planned in the health institution. In addition, at least 1 ml of blood serum sample from the dog or cat to be tested for rabies should be taken.