Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain and can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by the rabies virus, most often carried by stray dogs, pigeons and rats. If bitten or have physical contact with an infected animal, seek immediate medical care. Treatment involves rabies immune globulin injections near the bite and a series of rabies vaccines over 14 days. To prevent rabies, vaccinate pets, supervise them, avoid contact with wild animals and strays, and wash wounds from animal bites.
2.
Rabies is a viral disease
It causes inflammation in the brain
It is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can
be transmitted to humans from other species
4.
Rabies may be carried by a wild animal, most
of the time by stray dogs, pigeons, and rats.
You are almost certain to become infected if
you are bitten by an animal that carries the
virus
You may still catch it if you come into any
other form of physical contact with said animal
5.
Do not come into contact with stray animals
If you see an animal, like a dog, acting
strangely, avoid it at all costs
Make sure to wash your hands with warm
water and soap after petting any animal, even
if you know it is clean
6. •
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In the first stage of rabies, which is also the longest stage,
symptoms include:
Change in tone of the dog's bark
Fever
Loss of appetite
Subtle changes in behavior
The second stage lasts only 2 to 4 days, and is followed by the
animal’s death. Symptoms are:
Craving to eat anything, including inedible objects
Constant growling and barking
Dilated pupils
Disorientation
Erratic behavior
Episodes of aggression
Facial expression showing anxiety and hyperalertness
Irritability
No fear of natural enemies (e.g., wild animals may not be afraid of people)
Restlessness
Roaming
Seizures
Trembling and muscle incoordination
7. •
•
During the first stage, symptoms are very similar to
those of the flu, such as:
general weakness
Discomfort
Fever
Headache
During the second stage, symptoms are very
obvious. If your rabies go untreated and you reach
this stage, death is virtually inevitable. Symptoms
are:
Slight or partial paralysis
Anxiety
Insomnia
Confusion
Agitation
Abnormal behavior
Paranoia
Terror
Hallucinations
8.
If you are bitten by ANY wild animal, there is
already a possibilities that the rabies virus has
been transmitted to you
After being bitten by the animal, seek
immediate medical attention
The doctor will give you a “rabies shot”
9.
o
o
There are two kinds of rabies shot that you will
be given. The first is:
A fast-acting shot (rabies immune globulin) to prevent the virus from infecting you.
Part of this injection is given near the area where the animal bit you if possible, as
soon as possible after the bite.
A series of rabies vaccines to help your body learn to identify and fight the rabies
virus. Rabies vaccines are given as injections in your arm. You receive five
injections over 14 days.
10.
11.
Vaccinate your pet dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets
against rabies
Keep pets under supervision
Do not handle wild animals or strays
Immediately contact an animal control officer
upon observing a wild animal or a stray, especially
if the animal is acting strangely
If bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap
and water for 10 to 15 minutes and contact a
healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure
prophylaxis is required
