Failed Governments on Stray Dog Front so learn about Rabies
1. Rabies is a disease caused by transmission from animals to humans, caused by a virus.
2. Once one develops Rabies, it is 100% certain that the person will die, despite 'treatment'. There is no other virus, bacterium or fungus that hs a 100% kill rate.
3. Though Rabies is mostly transmitted thro dogbites, bites from infected cats, monkeys, jackals or any other animal might give the disease. Not just bites, even licks on broken skin, inner mouth or nose can transmit.
4. The virus travels from the animal's saliva to the human nerve, under the skin that is bitten. From here, it travels to the spinal cord& brain.
5. Human to Human transmission thro a human bite, has never been recorded, tho this is a popular myth that prevents some care-givers frm taking care of pts, even at hospitals.
6. Animal bites shd be treated by washing with water & soap for 15 minutes. Avoid dressing or bandaging the wound.
7. How do I suspect, the animal that hs bitten me hs rabies? The rabid animal will display- unprovoked biting, incessant running, change in noise & increased salivation.
8. Humans who hv developed Rabies will display: Irritability to noise & bright light, fear of water, spasms of neck muscles, itching at the bite site.
9. Rabies lasts maximum 6 days. Death is unpreventable,& excruciatingly painful. 'Treatment' consists of protection from bright light and noise& feeding through intravenous injections. Oral feeding is near- impossible.
10. Post Exposure Vaccine is compulsory, if u hv been bitten by an animal suspected of having the virus.
11. RABIES IS A 100% VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASE. This vaccine is given free of cost at all government hospitals in India. This is why, you shd visit a dr, after a suspected animal bite. Pre-exposure vaccines are also available- given on days 0 and 7, usually fr professional animal handlers.
12. Rabies Vaccine should be stored in the refrigerator btw 2-8 degrees.
13. ARV can be safely given to pregnant & lactating mothers.
14. Vaccines are usually given on days, 0, 7 and 21 days. Post-vaccination, a person enjoys complete protection for 3 yrs. After that period, the efficacy might vary. It is generally recommended that the layperson gets a Rabies booster, every 10 yrs. more