Who carries the virus
The reservoir of infection is warm-blooded animals. In cities, stray dogs and cats are most often dangerous; in nature, they are foxes, wolves, jackals, raccoons, and bats. A domestic animal can become infected if it comes into contact with a wild one. The virus is contained in saliva, so infection occurs through a bite, salivation of damaged skin and mucous membranes, and less often through a deep scratch caused by a paw that the animal licked. Meat and milk are not considered a source of infection during normal cooking, but contact with a sick animal during butchering is dangerous.
- Stray dogs and cats
- Wild predators: foxes, wolves, jackals
- Bats, including those without a visible bite
- Domestic animals in contact with wild animals
- Transmission through saliva through a bite, scratch, salivation
- It is practically not transmitted from person to person
What to do immediately after a bite
The first and very important step is to thoroughly wash the wound with running water and soap for at least fifteen minutes. Soap destroys the virus shell and significantly reduces the risk. Then the wound is treated with an antiseptic and a bandage is applied. It is usually not recommended to close the wound immediately unless there is severe bleeding or facial injury, and the decision is made by the surgeon. After treatment, you should immediately contact a medical facility - on the same day, regardless of the size of the wound. It is important to remember the animal and the circumstances: if the dog or cat is domestic, it is monitored.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
- Treat with antiseptic, apply a bandage
- Do not suture the wound without the surgeon's decision
- See a doctor on the same day
- Remember and, if possible, find the animal
- Report the attack to the veterinary service
Vaccinations after exposure
The course of rabies vaccine begins as early as possible, and there are no late dates in the usual sense: vaccinations are prescribed a few days after the bite, if there are no symptoms yet. The vaccine is administered according to the schedule determined by the doctor, and it is important not to miss visits. For deep bites, multiple wounds and bites of dangerous localization, anti-rabies immunoglobulin is additionally used, which is injected into the wound area. There are no contraindications to vaccination after a real risk of infection - it is carried out both for pregnant women and children, since the alternative is a fatal disease. If the pet remains healthy after ten days of observation, the course can be discontinued by the doctor’s decision.
- Start of the course in the first hours or days after contact
- Strict adherence to the vaccine administration schedule
- Anti-rabies immunoglobulin for severe bites
- Vaccination is possible during pregnancy and in children
- Monitoring the pet for 10 days
- Refusal of alcohol and hypothermia during the course on the recommendation of a doctor
Symptoms if the disease has developed
The latent period most often lasts from one to three months, but may be shorter for bites to the face and hand. The first signs are nonspecific: malaise, fever, anxiety, sleep disturbance, as well as itching, pain and burning in the area of an already healed wound - this is a very characteristic symptom. Then agitation develops with painful spasms of the pharyngeal muscles when trying to drink, and later even at the sight and sound of pouring water. Increased salivation, fear, hallucinations, reaction to light and air movement are added. In the final stage, excitement gives way to paralysis. There is no effective treatment at this stage; help is aimed at alleviating suffering.
- The latent period is usually 1–3 months
- Itching and burning in the area of the healed bite
- Anxiety, insomnia, temperature
- Throat spasms when drinking - hydrophobia
- Reaction to light, sound, air movement
- Drooling, agitation, hallucinations
- Late stage paralysis
Prevention
The main measures are not to have contact with homeless and wild animals, not to feed them by hand, and to explain to children that they should not pet unfamiliar dogs and cats or touch sick or dead animals. Pets must be vaccinated against rabies annually, including those who go outside or go to the country. People whose work involves risk - veterinarians, hunters, shelter workers, and travelers to disadvantaged regions - may be recommended pre-exposure vaccination. You should ask your doctor about this in advance.
- Annual pet vaccination
- Avoid contact with homeless and wild animals
- Teaching children how to behave with animals
- Preventive vaccination of risk groups
- Seek immediate medical attention for any bite
- Do not touch sick or dead animals