6 Thing you must know about RABIES VIRUS

Rabies , a deadly but totally vaccine- preventable disease. When was the last time you were attacked by a wild animal? Surely you have taken vaccine, Otherwise you could have been dead within a month after the symptom appears to the surface.

Rabies virus are commonly spread through animals. Not every animal is infected by rabies. The virus could be a threat to humans only if the the animal is infected. Dogs, Cats and livestock are the most common medium through which the virus is transmitted to human, this is why proper time to time vaccination to animals is must.

How Rabies Virus are transmitted from animals to humans?

Rabies Virus is spreads through animal saliva, scratches or in worst case scenario if the “Infected animal” bites you. As mentioned earlier, Not all animals are infected by virus and if an animal bites you, doesn’t mean that the virus has entered your body. Only those animals who are infected by the rabies virus are potential threat to humans. If you want to keep a pet, make sure the pet is vaccinated.

STAY AWAY! IF YOU SEE THESE SIGNS IN A ANIMAL. The animal could be infected by the Rabies virus.

The presence of Rabies virus in an animal is easy to spot ! Here’s how

1. The Infected animal would show aggressive behavior. They attack anyone nearby without any reason.
2. Excessive salivation (Foaming) and lethargic.
3. Lack of body balance . The animal cannot walk straight or “Normally”
4. Partial paralysis.
5. Dropped jaw.
6. Unusual shape/size and color of eyeball.

Symptoms of Rabies Virus in Human

Rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, which consists of brain and spinal cord. The infected saliva from the animal travels all the way through spine, reaches the brain and starts spreading.

Once the infection starts to spread, the chances of survival is impossible. Since the brain is controlled by the virus, the virus turns the mammal into a zombie. Here’s how

Virus are different than bacteria, means they need a body to multiply and survive. The infected person will start acting like an animal. The virus tries to escape the body to the next victim to survive.

1. The infected human will act like an animal. If the virus spread through a infected dog, then the human will start acting like dog.
2. The person barks like a dog.
3. Excessive salivation (Drooling).
4. Abnormal Behavior.
5. Difficulty in swallowing food and water.
   • The esophagus contracts causing excessive pain.
6. Fear of water (hydrophobia).
7. Excessive aggression.
8. Excessive sweat and fever.
9. Seizures.
10. Loss of control and co-ordination.

“99% FATAL – 100% Preventable”

Feel lucky to survive! as it is preventable if vaccination is administered within 24hour.

This disease is 100% preventable. You can survive this deadly disease if vaccination is provided on time.

There is no treatment once you are infected.

FIRST AID-

1. Wash the wound with soap and water 5 to 6 times under clean running water.
2. Apply antiseptic on wound.
3. Wrapping it tightly would reduce the exposure of wound to external environment.
4. Administer vaccine as soon as possible.

POINTS TO REMEMBER –

1.Most of the rabies cases are preventable, If vaccine is administered on time

2. Dogs and Cats are the most common animals through which the virus is spread. Vaccination to your pets is must.

3. Symptoms may not appear at starting. They can take months or even years to appear

4. Keep an eye to both the victim and animal. If the animal dies within 20 days, it means the person is severely infected

FACT –

Only few animals are there which cannot spread rabies like hamsters, rats, squirrel, chipmunks, guinea pigs.

The most common species to be tested positive in 2024 is Bats!