Rabies is a deadly but preventable viral disease. It is most commonly found in domestic dogs and wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, mongooses, and others. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pet dogs, staying away from wild animals, and taking proper medical treatment after potential exposures before the symptoms appear. Let's find out how can we prevent and treat rabies disease most effectively.

Should you be worried about rabies?

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is fatal in approximately 95% of cases. If you are a pet parent the incidence of rabies is comparatively high because up to 99% of cases, domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans. Yet, rabies can affect both domestic and wild animals. 

It spreads to humans and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Children between the ages of 5 and 14 years are frequent victims. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. Therefore as a pet parent, you should be aware of the prevention and treatment of Rabies.

Signs and symptoms of rabies in humans

The first symptoms of rabies in humans are similar to those of the common flu. The late symptoms are,

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Headache
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive salivation
• Fear of water (hydrophobia)
• Fear brought on by air blown on the face
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Partial paralysis

Prevention and treatment of rabies in humans

• Rabies can be prevented through vaccination therefore you can vaccinate your pet dog and cat to prevent the transmission of rabies to humans
•  You can educate yourself and your children about dog behavior and bite prevention, this can reduce the incidence of rabies in humans
• You should not approach sick wild animals
• You should get a post-exposure treatment with the advice of a doctor or health care department
• If your pet is bitten by any wild animal, get medical help immediately

Rabies vaccination in pets

As a pet parent, it's your sole responsibility to ensure that your pet should receive their initial vaccination between 14 to 16 weeks of age. A booster shot should be administered one year after the initial vaccination. Follow-up booster doses are recommended every 1 to 3 years depending on the type of rabies vaccine used by the veterinarian.

Can vaccinated dogs get rabies?

Dogs that have received rabies vaccination are highly unlikely to contract the rabies disease. The effectiveness of the rabies vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection even if exposed to the virus.

What should you do when you get a bite from a rabid animal?

Clean the wound

You should clean the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. You can use antiseptic soap such as betadine or Nolvasan, if available to reduce the risk of infection.

Seek medical help

You should contact a healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment.

 Rabies Shot

 If there is a concern that the animal may have transmitted rabies, you may need to undergo a series of rabies shots.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

This involves receiving a fast-acting shot of immune globulin near the bite area, followed by multiple doses of the rabies vaccine over a specific period.

Contact animal control

If you’ve been attacked by an aggressive wild animal, contact animal control so that proper care of the animal and the safety of the public can be ensured.

How are rabies treated in humans?

Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medications

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies involves a combination of medications to prevent the rabies virus from traveling to the brain after exposure. The key medication used in PEP is the rabies vaccine. This vaccine is administered by healthcare providers and typically involves a series of shots over a specific period.

Rabies vaccine administration

If you have not been previously vaccinated against rabies, you will receive four shots over 14 days as part of PEP. If you have received a pre-exposure vaccination, you will only need two shots after exposure. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended schedule for receiving the rabies vaccine as part of PEP to ensure maximum effectiveness in preventing the virus from causing serious illness.

Human rabies immunoglobulins

This medication is usually given if you’ve been vaccinated before your exposure. They provide you with the antibodies that will destroy the virus near the wound until your body takes over.

Side effects of  rabies vaccination in humans

Common side effects of rabies vaccination in dogs include mild loss of appetite, temporary energy loss, mild fever, and potential swelling or soreness at the injection site. Usually, these symptoms are considered to be normal after rabies vaccination. Severe reactions are rare but may include coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hives, fainting, or collapse. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if these symptoms occur.

How long is the anti-rabies vaccine effective in humans?

The anti-rabies vaccine is effective in humans for at least 2 years, with many individuals maintaining immunity for much longer periods, potentially even a lifetime.

Conclusion 

Rabies accounts for 59,000 deaths every year. It's high time to know about the prevention and treatment of this disease. As a pet parent, you should be responsible for getting proper vaccinations for your pet and staying away from wildlife. Once you get an exposure from a potentially rabid animal immediately seek medical help. Once the clinical symptoms appear it's 100% fatal, so never ignore these diseases especially when you are a pet parent. In rabies diseases prevention is always better than searching for a cure.

If you have any doubts regarding the prevention and treatment of rabies disease feel free to comment your queries below, we will be happy to help you.