Rabies can spread through animal licks too; arm yourself with vaccine

Hyderabad: Rabies, a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans, has been making headlines recently, bringing to light the importance of understanding this deadly threat and the crucial role of vaccines.

Dr Jaison Philips, a seasoned expert in infectious diseases in Hyderabad, shares insights into this lethal disease and underscores the significance of vaccination.

Rabies: a lethal virus

Rabies is caused by a virus that spreads through the bite, scratch, or even the lick of an infected animal. Once a person develops rabies, it is 100 per cent certain that they will succumb to the disease, regardless of treatment efforts.

Dr Philips emphasises, “There is no other virus, bacterium, or fungus with a 100 per cent mortality rate. Rabies is a formidable foe that demands our utmost attention.”

Diverse sources of transmission

While dogs are often associated with rabies transmission, the virus can be transmitted through bites or contact with saliva from infected cats, monkeys, jackals, or any other mammals. Dr Philips explains, “It’s not just bites; even licks on broken skin, inner mouth, or nose can transmit the virus, making rabies a stealthy threat.”

The rabies virus embarks on a treacherous journey within the human body. Dr Philips details, “After transmission through the animal’s saliva, the virus enters the human nerve tissue beneath the bitten skin. From there, it travels relentlessly to the spinal cord and eventually the brain, leading to the disease’s devastating neurological symptoms.”

Human-to-human transmission through bite is not possible

A prevalent myth surrounding rabies is human-to-human transmission through a bite. However, Dr Philips dispels this notion, stating, “Human-to-human transmission of rabies has never been recorded. This misconception can hinder caregivers from providing necessary care, even within hospital settings.”

In the event of an animal bite, swift action is crucial. Dr Philips advises, “Wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Avoid dressing or bandaging the wound as it can trap the virus within.”

Identifying a rabid animal can be challenging but vital. Dr Philips says, “Rabid animals may exhibit unprovoked biting, excessive salivation, alterations in behaviour, and incessant running. Vigilance is key when encountering wildlife behaving unusually.”

Human Symptoms

Humans infected with rabies display a set of distinctive symptoms, including irritability towards light and noise, hydrophobia (fear of water), and neck muscle spasms. Itching at the bite site is also common.

Dr Philips cautions, “Rabies runs its course in just six days, and death is excruciatingly painful. Treatment mainly involves protection from bright light and noise, with intravenous feeding, as oral feeding becomes nearly impossible.”

Post-exposure vaccination is crucial if someone has been bitten by a potentially rabid animal. Dr Philips underscores, “Rabies is 100 per cent vaccine-preventable. The vaccine is readily available and provided free of charge at government hospitals in India. It’s imperative to seek medical attention after a suspected animal bite.”

Rabies vaccines must be stored in a refrigerator between 2-8 degrees Celsius to maintain their effectiveness. Dr Philips highlights, “These vaccines are safe even for pregnant and lactating mothers, providing them and their unborn or breastfeeding children with protection.”

Typically, rabies vaccines are administered on days 0, 7, and 21 of the bite. Following the vaccination, an individual enjoys complete protection for three years. Dr Philips recommends, “After this period, a rabies booster is advisable every ten years, especially for those at risk.”

In conclusion, rabies is a deadly killer with a 100 per cent mortality rate once symptoms appear.

However, the good news is that rabies is also a 100 per cent vaccine-preventable disease. With accessible vaccines and timely care, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this deadly threat. Dr Philips concludes, “Knowledge, vaccination, and swift action are our allies in the battle against rabies. Prevention is our best defence.”