Rabies

Tips on how you can prevent the Transmission of Rabies

Affects the central nervous system 

Rabies is a zoonotic virus that attacks an animal’s CNS (central nervous system) which includes the spinal cord and the brain. It can be deadly if not promptly treated before the onset of symptoms. And since it’s a zoonotic pathogen, this implies that it can affect both animals and human beings alike and it is also deadly to both groups. The infection is typically transmitted ia bite wounds, tissue contact or scratches from an already infected animal. 

Learn the symptoms of rabies 

There are a lot of misconceptions regarding the exact symptoms of rabies which significantly contributes to delayed reported and late diagnosis of the disease. The symptoms of rabies entail lethargy, high fever, sporadic seizures which often lead to paralysis just before death. The paralysis can include muscles that control/effect swallowing which explains the common ‘fear of drowning’ that rabies victims often exhibit. You may also observe a notable behavioral change which includes abnormal/heightened aggression and belligerence especially in dogs. 

It is possible to be infected with rabies without initially knowing it

Since rabies is mainly transmitted via bites or scratches, most people are often under the misinformed opinion that it is easy to tell if and when their pets has spread the disease to them. Nonetheless, it is vital to know that rabies can be passed to your pet or you without telling. Bat bites, for instance, can be so miniscule that they can go unnoticed till it’s too late. 

Bat are the biggest transmitters/vectors of the disease 

Bats, especially those you would encounter in the wild, are often the most common vectors of the disease. It is therefore very important to avoid any contact with them whenever you are outdoors camping or hiking. That being said, dogs remain our closest threat to coming into contact with the disease. These household pets can easily contract rabies from another animal and pass it to us inadvertently. The time from the point of infection to the onset of symptoms is often just a few months but once the manifestation begins, there is often very little hope (if any ) for survival. 

When it comes to rabies, prevention is always better than cure. It helps to avoid any contact with stray animals and also have your pets periodically vaccinated. 

Sources: CDC, Medicinenet, Sciencedirect