Rabies, a manageable disease but causing high mortality
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, directly affecting the central nervous system. When symptoms have appeared, the patient is almost unable to be cured. Therefore, early prevention and treatment measures are of vital significance.
The rabies virus is transmitted mainly through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites or scratches, says Dr. Tushar Tayal. This is a disease that is almost always fatal if not prevented in time".
In Vietnam, dogs are still the main source of disease, along with cats and some wild animals such as butterflies or foxes. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people have to get vaccinated against rabies after being bitten by animals, showing that the level of danger is still very high.
Symptoms, first aid and prevention of rabies
According to Dr. Tayal, the incubation period for rabies is usually 1 to 3 months, but can range from a few days to more than a year depending on the location and location of the bite. Initial signs are quite similar to flu, including: mild fever, headache, fatigue and a burning sensation at the bitten site.
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more serious such as anxiety, restlessness, difficulty swallowing, fear of wind, fear of water. In the final stage, the patient may experience seizures, hallucinations, paralysis and fall into a coma before dying.
If bitten by a dog or animal suspected of rabies, do immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water continuously for at least 15 minutes.
Go to a medical facility for medical treatment, even if the wound is very small.
Post-exposure vaccination (PEP): includes a rabies vaccine and can be accompanied by an immune globulin injection if the wound is severe or in a dangerous location.
Rabies is completely manageable. Experts recommend:
Avoid contact or playing with strange animals or animals that show unusual signs.
fully vaccinate dogs and cats and monitor their health periodically. Getting vaccinated against pets not only protects them but also serves as a safety barrier for the whole family, Dr. Tayal emphasized.
When detecting animals with unusual behavior, you should immediately report it to the local authorities for timely handling.
