Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the central nervous system when transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. This life-threatening disease remains a major public health concern in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, despite being almost entirely preventable with timely medical care, widespread myths and misinformation about rabies and its treatment often lead to dangerous delays in seeking help. Understanding the facts about rabies, early warning signs, and preventive measures such as rabies vaccination is crucial for protecting yourself and your family. Prompt wound cleaning and immediate medical attention after an animal bite can save lives.
In this short read, we will debunk common rabies myths, highlight key symptoms to watch for, and explain the essential steps to take after potential exposure.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is caused by the Lyssavirus, which attacks the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making early prevention crucial. Animals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, foxes, and other mammals are common carriers of the virus. Human infection usually occurs through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva from an infected animal.
Common Myths About Rabies
Myth: Only dogs can transmit rabies.
Fact: While dogs are the most common source in many countries, rabies can be spread by various mammals, including bats, cats, and wild animals. Any mammal can potentially carry the virus.
Myth: Rabies shows symptoms immediately after a bite.
Fact: Rabies has an incubation period that can range from a few weeks to several months. Symptoms like fever, headache, anxiety, confusion, and hydrophobia appear gradually, which is why immediate action after exposure is vital.
Myth: Rabies can be treated after symptoms appear.
Fact: Once clinical symptoms manifest, rabies is nearly always fatal. The only effective intervention is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately after a potential exposure.
Myth: You can get rabies from touching an infected animal.
Facts: Rabies transmission requires the virus to enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes. Simply touching an animal without bites or scratches does not transmit rabies.
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Precautions To Take
Here are some steps to stay informed and protected from this preventable yet fatal disease.
Vaccinate pets and livestock: Ensure dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are up to date with rabies vaccinations. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent rabies transmission.
Avoid contact with wild animals: Do not approach, feed, or handle stray or wild animals, especially bats and raccoons, which are common rabies carriers.
Seek immediate medical attention after exposure: If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and visit a healthcare professional immediately for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Conclusion
Rabies is a preventable yet deadly disease. By recognizing the myths surrounding rabies, taking preventive measures, and seeking prompt medical care after potential exposure, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community. Early awareness and timely vaccination remain the most effective defences against rabies infection. Remember, vaccination, responsible pet care, and immediate action after animal bites are key to combating rabies. Also, knowing when to seek medical care can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
References:
Rabies
Helena M. Swinkels; Ron Koury; Steven J. Warrington
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0147957123000504
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448076/
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