04 November 2023

Rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, namely a disease that is transmitted from infected animals to humans.

The main animals that cause the spread of rabies are dogs, bats, cats and monkeys.

Causes and Transmission

Rabies (mad dog disease) is an acute infectious disease, attacking the central nervous system caused by Lyssavirus. The rabies virus can be transmitted through saliva, bites or scratches and licking of injured skin by animals infected with rabies.

Symptom

Symptoms of the incubation period for the rabies virus range from 4 - 12 weeks. After the incubation period, people infected with the rabies virus will experience flu-like symptoms, fever, weak muscles, tingling or burning sensation in the bite area, pain or headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, feeling restless, confused or threatened without any cause, hyperactivity, hallucinations, insomnia or sleep disorders, difficulty swallowing when eating or drinking and excessive saliva production.

Handling

Several ways to treat animal bite wounds that transmit rabies to humans. Wash the bite wound immediately with running water and soap for 15 minutes, then give it an antiseptic, immediately take it to the hospital to wash the wound again and get the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) and Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR). ), treating wounds as soon as possible can effectively prevent symptoms and death.

Prevention

Measures to prevent infection with the rabies virus are to reduce risk factors by:

1. Carry out rabies vaccinations on pets
2. Get yourself a rabies vaccine
3. Maintain contact with animals that have the potential to have the rabies virus
4. Keep pets from interacting with wild or unfamiliar animals
5. Report to health officials if you encounter a person or animal that has symptoms of rabies
6. Prevent other animals that have the potential to spread rabies from entering the house

Reviewed by :  dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source : Artikel Pertanian