Rabies is still a serious threat to human health in various parts of the world. This disease is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system and cannot be detected early. Therefore, if you are infected with the rabies virus it can be fatal if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Head of the Bali Health Service, Nyoman Gede Anom, said that 300 cases of rabies were recorded and four of them died. (CNN Indonesia, 27 June 2023). It is important for us to understand the symptoms and emergency actions that need to be taken when facing the threat of rabies.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is an infectious disease caused by the rabies virus which attacks the nervous system. This virus can be found in animals such as dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons and bats. Rabies transmission occurs through bites or scratches from infected animals, and the virus can enter the human body through open wounds or mucous membranes. Therefore, rabies is classified as a zoonotic disease, which means this disease can be transmitted from animals to humans. Apart from that, rabies is also known as mad dog disease, because it generally occurs after being bitten by a dog.
What are the characteristics of animals infected with rabies?
It cannot be known for certain whether an animal is infected with rabies or not. However, animals infected with rabies will show the general characteristics of the disease. In general, the following are the characteristics of animals infected with rabies, citing WebMD:
- Excessive salivation
- Very aggressive
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Staggering, convulsions, even paralysis
- Sensitive to light, movement and sound stimulation
- Foaming at the mouth due to accumulation of saliva
What are the Symptoms of Rabies in Humans?
Symptoms of rabies in humans can vary depending on the stage of infection. The incubation period for this disease, namely the time between exposure to the rabies virus and the appearance of symptoms, usually ranges from several weeks to several months. However, in some cases, the incubation period can be shorter or longer. Usually, symptoms of rabies in humans will appear in three phases, namely the prodromal phase, the acute neurological phase, and the coma phase. The symptoms that will appear in each phase can vary, but some general signs and symptoms to know include:
- Prodromal Phase
- Discomfort or itching at the site of the bite.
- Fever, malaise (feeling unwell or sensation of exposure to disease), and fatigue.
- Headache and nausea. - Acute Neurological Phase
- Anxiety, restlessness, and confusion.
- Muscle stiffness and difficulty swallowing.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and water (hydrophobia).
- Loss of muscle control, spasms, and agitation.
- Hallucinations. - Coma Phase
- Weakness or loss of muscle function.
- Difficulty breathing and heart failure.
- Failure to breathe.
- Arrhythmia.
- Hypothermia.
Emergency Measures for Rabies:
Rabies is a medical emergency that requires fast and appropriate action. The following are the steps that need to be taken when facing an emergency situation related to rabies:
- Wash the wound with soap
If bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of being infected with rabies, immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes. Cleaning the wound well can help remove viruses that may be on the surface of the skin. - Seek immediate medical care
After cleaning the wound, seek medical care immediately. The doctor will evaluate the risk of rabies based on the type of bite, the animal's history, and the level of rabies presence in the area. - Post-exposure immunization
If the risk of rabies is high, your doctor may recommend post-exposure immunization. This procedure involves administering the rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin to fight the virus and prevent disease progression. - Increased public awareness and animal vaccination
To prevent rabies transmission, it is important to increase public awareness about the importance of pet vaccination. Proper vaccination of animals, especially dogs and cats, can help control the spread of the rabies virus. - Avoid contact with wild animals
To reduce the risk of rabies, avoid direct contact with wild animals, especially those that look sick or unusual. If you find an injured or strangely behaving wild animal, report it to local authorities.
Recognizing the early symptoms and taking appropriate emergency action can help prevent the spread of this disease. Keep your surroundings clean, avoid personal contact with suspected animals, and immediately seek expert medical care if an animal bites or scratches.
Article written by dr. Dennis Samuel Torindatu, Sp.N (Neurology / Neurology Specialist at EMC Cibitung Hospital).