DOG Bite(Rabies)

 RABIES:

Introduction:

Rabies Virus:

It is viral disease and transmitted through the bite of rabid animal. Rabies can effect any mammal .the most prevalent wild rabies reservoirs are foxes, skunks ,bates and raccoons. Rabies can also infect domesticated mammals. The domestic animals that are most commonly reported rabid are cats, cattle and dogs.

 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: 

At first symptoms are tingling ,prickling, itching around the bite area.

A person may experience flu-like symptoms as fever, headache, soreness in the muscles, nausea, and fatigue

Once the virus enters the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord begin to progressively and fatally inflame.

How is Rabies transmitted:

The rabies virus is spread by direct contact with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal, such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eyes

Rabies Vaccine:

Four doses spread out over two weeks are advised for those who may have been exposed to the virus; an injection of rabies immunoglobulin is also advised with the first treatment.[18] We call this immunization, post-exposure.[19] There is only one dose of the rabies vaccine needed for those who have already had vaccinations.[19] Nevertheless, vaccine given after exposure can only stop rabies from developing in a person if it is administered before the virus enters the brain; it cannot treat or cure rabies.[19] Post-exposure immunizations are usually recommended due to the relatively long incubation period of the rabies virus.

Rabies Serology:

Saliva can be examined using reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or virus isolation. Tests are performed for rabies virus antibodies in serum and spinal fluid. The cutaneous nerves at the base of hair follicles in skin biopsy specimens are analyzed for the presence of rabies antigen.