RABIES

Causative Agent: Rhabdovirus

Mode of Transmission: Bite of rabid animal
Source of Infection: Saliva of infected animal or human
Incubation Period: 10 – 14 days, 1 day to 5 years
Signs and Symptoms:
A. Dog – at first withdrawn, tries to hide, then
Furious
- change in mood, shows nervousness and apprehension
- vicious, will bite without any provocation, runs aimlessly
- unusual salivation with drooling
Dumb or Paralytic
- paralysis starts on hind legs spreading
- towards entire body
- death
B. Man
1. Prodromal Stage
- headache, sore throat
- numbness to tingling sensation at the site of bite
- anxious
- mental depression
- unusual salivation, perspiration, lacrimation
2. Excitement
- excessive restlessness, increasing or uncontrollable excitement
- agitation, confusion, with periods of calmness
- aerophobia, hydrophobia
- spitting of saliva
3. Paralytic
- flaccid ascending symmetric paralysis
- coma, death
Diagnostic Examination: Post-Mortem: Fluorescent rabies antibody staining test
Treatment:
*preventable but not curable once symptoms develop
For dog bite:
Wash wound with soap and water
Seek consultation
Immunization
ATS/TAT
Observe dog for 10 days, if possible
With Infection:
- Symptomatic and supportive
Nursing Care: Strict isolation throughout the course of illness
Prevention:
1. Immunization
2. Control of animals