Rabies (mad dog disease): symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

What is rabies?

Rabies (mad dog disease) is a viral infectious disease that attacks the nervous system and is caused by the rabies virus. A person can get this disease if they are bitten by an animal infected with the virus.

Generally, the rabies virus is found in wild animals. Some of the wild animals that spread the virus are skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. However, in some countries, there are still many domesticated animals that carry the virus, including cats and dogs.

If a person with this virus begins to experience various symptoms, it is likely that the central nervous system and brain have been damaged.

To prevent the spread of the disease, you and your pet should get vaccinated. In addition, if you are bitten by an animal that has the potential to be infected with the virus, consult a doctor immediately before any symptoms appear.

How common is rabies?

Rabies is a fairly common disease in several countries. Each year, this disease causes about 59,000 deaths.

Although there have been many rabies vaccine programs, especially for stray dogs, there are still many cases that occur due to dog bites. According to WHO, as many as more than 90% of rabies cases occur due to bites of dogs infected with the virus.

The death rate from this disease occurs most in countries that do not have adequate health facilities, especially in Asia and Africa. In addition, the lack of socialization about the dangers of rabies and its prevention also affects the high number of cases of this disease.

This disease can occur at any age, but the most common cases are found in children aged 15 years and under. The percentage of occurrence is about 40%.

In addition, included in the high-risk group are children who live in areas prone to animal bite infections, and people who travel to remote areas where their health conditions are still underdeveloped.

This disease can be prevented by identifying avoidable risk factors. To find out more information about this disease, you can consult your doctor.

Rabies signs and symptoms

In general, the signs and symptoms of rabies appear gradually. The incubation period of this viral infection, which is the time from transmission of the virus to the appearance of the first symptoms, lasts an average of 35 to 65 days.

When symptoms appear, rabies is usually classified as fatal. Therefore, immediately seek medical attention if you are bitten by an animal without waiting for symptoms to appear.

When you start feeling sick, rabies virus infection will start to cause symptoms such as:

• Fever reaches 38 degrees Celsius or more
• Headache
• Worry
• Feeling the body is not healthy overall
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nausea accompanied by vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Pain or numbness in the bitten area
• Feeling confused, restless, and restless
• More aggressive and hyperactive
• Muscle spasms and paralysis may occur
• Excessive breathing (hyperventilation), sometimes difficulty breathing
• Producing more saliva
• Fear of water (hydrophobia)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hallucinations, nightmares, and insomnia
• Erectile disorders in men
• Sensitive to light (photophobia)

Initial symptoms can last for 2 to 10 days. Over time, the symptoms will get worse.

In the next stage, the sufferer begins to feel acute nervous system disorders. Over time, the sufferer will experience severe breathing difficulties.

If the disease is not treated immediately after being bitten, the sufferer will almost always enter a coma phase.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek medical help immediately if you are bitten by any animal, including pets.

Depending on the injury and the situation in which the bite occurred, you and your doctor can decide if you should receive treatment to prevent rabies.

Even if you are not sure you have been bitten and are experiencing the symptoms listed, seek medical attention immediately.

However, each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, seek immediate medical help.

Causes of rabies

The cause of rabies is a virus called lyssavirus in the saliva of infected animals. Animals that have been infected can spread the rabies virus by biting other animals or humans.

In rare cases, the disease can spread when infected saliva gets into open wounds or mucous membranes, such as the mouth or eyes. This can happen when an infected animal licks your open wound.

What animals carry the virus that causes rabies?

Generally, rabies transmission occurs most often through animal bites. According to the CDC, animals carrying the virus that causes rabies are generally mammals such as:

1. Pets and livestock

The following are pets and livestock that may carry the rabies virus:

• Cat
• Dog
• Cow
• Goat
• Horse

2. Wild animals

Several types of wild animals can also transmit the rabies virus, such as:

• Bat
• Monkey
• Raccoon
• Fox
• Beaver
• Skunk

In very rare cases, the virus that causes rabies can be spread from the organ transplant process, if the organ used is infected with the virus.

Risk factors

Rabies is a disease that can affect people of all ages and races. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this disease.

Having one or all of the risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop this disease. There is also a small chance of someone getting this disease even though they do not have any risk factors.

The following are the risk factors that can trigger the emergence of rabies, namely:

1. Living in developing countries

If you live in developing countries, especially in areas with inadequate health facilities and understanding, your risk for developing this disease is higher.

2. Travel to an area with a high incidence

If you are traveling or visiting countries with a high incidence of disease, such as countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, your chances of catching the virus are greater.

3. Doing activities outdoor

Doing activities that allow you to come into contact with wild animals, such as exploring caves where there are lots of bats, or camping without preventing the entry of wild animals, can increase your risk of getting this disease.

4. Work as a veterinarian or often handle animals

If you are a veterinarian, or you have a job that allows you to come into contact with animals such as zookeepers, your chances of getting infected with the virus are greater.

5. Work in a laboratory to research the rabies virus

If you are a laboratory worker who is doing research on rhadovirus, your risk for infection is higher.

6. Own pets or livestock that have not been vaccinated

If you have pets such as dogs and cats, or livestock such as cows and goats, make sure you have vaccinated these animals.

Diagnosis

The animal that bites you must be caught to be tested for rabies or not. When an animal bites you, there is no way to know if the animal has spread the virus to you.

Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you are bitten by an animal that has the potential to carry the virus. Don't delay until the symptoms appear.

Treatment to prevent viral infection will be carried out if the doctor thinks that there is a possibility that you have been exposed to the virus.

Rabies treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Once you have been infected with the virus, it can be difficult to get effective treatment. Although there are some sufferers who have survived, this disease is generally fatal and difficult to treat.

However, if you immediately see a doctor before symptoms appear, your chances of surviving will be greater.

1. What to do after being bitten by an animal with rabies

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal at risk of carrying the virus, do the following:

• Clean the wound with running water and soap for a few minutes
• Cover the wound with a simple bandage
• Go to the nearest medical service center, hospital, or general practitioner

2. Rabies treatment for people who have been bitten

If you are bitten by an animal that has the potential to carry the virus, you will immediately be given several injections to prevent viral infection.

The rabies shots used are:

• Injections with rapid reactions (immunoglobulins)This injection is useful for preventing a rapid viral infection. Especially if you experience bites and open wounds from rabies-infected animals. The medical team will inject the injured area as quickly as possible after you are bitten.

• Vaccination injectionVaccination shots help the body recognize and fight viral infections. Vaccinations will be given 4 times for 1 month if you don't have a previous vaccine history, and 2 times if you've been vaccinated before.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting this disease by taking the steps below:

1. Vaccinate your pet

Your cat and dog must be protected from the possibility of being infected with the virus. Therefore, make sure you take your pet to the vet and ask the doctor to give you a vaccination shot.

2. Keep your pets from the outside environment

Try to keep your pet from having too frequent contact with the outside world. This can prevent your pet from being exposed to viruses from wild animals.

3. Report the presence of wild animals to the authorities

If you see any wild animals in your area, please report it to the authorities. Usually there will be an institution or party that will accommodate these wild animals and provide vaccinations.

4. Get vaccinated before traveling abroad

If you are traveling to a country or area with the potential for transmission of this disease, you should take precautions with the rabies vaccine injection.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.