}
Rabies
Description
Rabies is a preventable disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and lead to death of the person or animal involved.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that is almost always fatal following the onset of clinical symptoms. In up to 99% of cases, domestic dogs are responsible for rabies virus transmission to humans.
How is rabies transmitted?
The rabies virus, present in the saliva of an animal, can be transferred to a human through bites, scratches or other wounds that break the skin and allow the saliva to enter the body.
What are the symptoms you should look out for?
Rabies can occur as long as 20 to 60 days after exposure to the virus, but it can also occur months or years after exposure. Early symptoms are often vague, but can include fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, tingling and intense itchiness at the site of the bite after the wound has healed, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
What should you do in the case of possible exposure?
If you or your children are bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Go to a healthcare facility immediately to have the risk of rabies assessed.
