Sep 27, 2010 Romelda Ascutia

Animals in the Wild can be Carriers of Rabies – HarlequeenRabies is a viral disease transmitted through animal bites. know how to protect yourself from this infection that leads to a painful death if not treated.

Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the central nervous system that is spread through the bite of an animal carrying the rabies virus.

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 million people a year get treated for rabies exposure, and about 55,000 die from the disease each year (about one death every 10 minutes). Almost half of the victims are children aged below 15 years.

The disease is transferred to people by warm-blooded animals, including bats, monkeys, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, dogs, and cats. in countries where domestic animals are routinely vaccinated, bats and other wild animals are the main sources of infection. but worldwide, dogs are by far the biggest carriers and the cause of the overwhelming majority of rabies deaths, particularly in Asia and Africa.

How rabies is transmitted

While people contract rabies largely from animal bites, they can also get it on rare occasions through contact with the saliva or brain tissue of an infected animal, or through a scratch or a lick from a cat with rabies. Bats may also pass it on to humans through a small bite that leaves no visible wound.

The virus enters the body via a puncture, break or cut in the skin. It travels along the nerve pathways of the muscles and attacks the nervous system, where it multiplies then inflames the brain.

From the nervous system, the virus spreads to the different tissues including the salivary glands. The rabies virus is adept at avoiding detection by the immune system, so the body finds it hard to combat the threat.

When the virus reaches the spinal cord and brain, death is almost always imminent. however, it can take days or weeks for the virus to get to the brain; immediate medical treatment can halt the progression of rabies and help avert death.

Symptoms of rabies

Initial symptoms of rabies in people show similarities to those of many other infections, including fever, headache, itching or pain in the bite area, and general weakness or discomfort.

More specific symptoms appear later on as the disease spreads through the brain. Among these are insomnia, anxiety, confusion, agitation, slight or partial paralysis, delirium, salivation, difficulty swallowing, convulsions, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Eventually, the person goes comatose and dies, usually from blocked airways, seizures, or total paralysis.

How to avoid rabies infection

The most effective ways to protect yourself from rabies infection are to avoid exposure to rabid animals and to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten.

Do not touch or pick up wild animals even if they seem feeble or appear friendly. Rabies triggers a change in an animal’s behavior that makes it aggressive and likely to attack without provocation.

Be a responsible pet owner. Make sure your pets are healthy, well fed, and supervised at all times, especially when outdoors. they should be taken to the veterinarian once a year for their regular rabies shots.

If you are bitten by an animal suspected to have rabies, preventative treatment is the only way to stop the disease from developing. clean the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water for at least five minutes, then quickly seek medical treatment, which may include rabies vaccinations, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Vaccination can prompt the body’s immune system to respond to the attack before the symptoms of rabies appear. you may also have to get protected against tetanus.

Disclaimer: This article is meant only to provide information and is not intended to replace advice from licensed healthcare professionals.

“CDC Features,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed September 28, 2010

“Rabies,” Directors of Health Promotion and Education, Accessed September 28, 2010

“Rabies,” Merck, Accessed September 28, 2010

“Rabies,” NetDoctor, Accessed September 28, 2010

• Animals in the Wild can be Carriers of Rabies – Harlequeen

• Do not go near Stray Dogs as they May Have Rabies – Tony Beeman

• Bats can Spread Rabies Through Discreet Bites – Longhorndave