Rabies is a viral disease, transmitted mainly by bites of certain animals to humans. The virus is contained in the saliva of the animal. The virus goes to the brain, it reproduces and eventually causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The infection can spread into the spinal cord. In a person vaccinated (vaccine preventive), the virus can be destroyed before reaching the brain.
Symptoms of rabies are reported between two and eight weeks after infection. It is imperative to treat the infection with a curative vaccine before the onset of symptoms. If left untreated, death occurs within ten days after the onset of symptoms.
A person bitten by an animal or by contact with saliva from a suspect animal (wild) must come to an emergency center to be treated against rabies, even if the animal does not appear to be rabid. Your pet may have struggled with an animal carrying the virus without being infected itself, can carry the virus on its coat.
The risk of infection is low if the saliva is deposited on healthy skin (no scratching) and away from eyes, nose and mouth, where the virus has little chance of entering the body.
The first step to follow when a bite is to wash the wound thoroughly, avoiding any splashes to the eyes, nose, mouth. After rinsing the soap, apply an antiseptic and introduce yourself to the emergency. You should also wash clothes that have been in contact with saliva separately from other laundry.
Rabies is a notifiable disease in many countries.
21 mai 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |