Introduction
Rabies safety is essential for preventing exposure to this potentially fatal virus. Taking the right precautions can help protect both you and your pets from the risks associated with rabies.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. Transmitted mainly through saliva, most often via a bite from an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. However, rabies is highly preventable through timely vaccination and treatment after exposure. If rabies-related medical treatment, called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), is not started prior to symptoms starting, the virus is fatal.
Rabies presents itself in 2 main forms: furious rabies and paralytic rabies. Furious rabies is characterized by hyperactivity, excitability, and hallucinations. Paralytic rabies involves paralysis and coma.
Who is at Risk?
Virtually anyone can be at risk of rabies. Those who engage in activities that increase their likelihood of encountering potentially rabid animals are at a higher risk of rabies. Additionally, others can be exposed to rabies, including:
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary technicians
- Animal control officers
- Wildlife workers
- Other animal handlers
- And, some construction workers
Carriers of Rabies
Many animals can be carriers of rabies, such as:
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- And, wolves
Additionally, dogs, cats, and livestock can be infected if they are not vaccinated. Cats are the most commonly reported domestic animal diagnosed with rabies.
Signs and Symptoms in Animals
There are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate an animal is infected, such as:
- Lethargy
- Fever or vomiting
- Cerebral dysfunction, weakness, and seizures
- Breathing difficulty or excessive salivation
- And, aggression or abnormal behavior
Signs and Symptoms in Humans
The time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period. This may last for weeks to months. The incubation period may vary based on the location of the exposure site (how far away it is from the brain), the type of rabies virus, and any existing immunity.
The first symptoms may be flu-like, such as:
- Weakness
- Discomfort
- Fever
- Or, headaches
Additionally, a prickling or itching sensation at the infected site may occur.
As symptoms worsen, cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation may occur. The infected person may experience:
- Delirium
- Abnormal behavior
- Hallucinations
- Hydrophobia
- Or, insomnia
The acute period of the disease typically ends after 2-10 days. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is always fatal.
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid rabies is to keep your distances from wildlife. Additionally, never approach injured animals, call animal control instead.
Pet owners can lower their pets risk by keeping them up-to-date on rabies vaccines. Keep your pets away from wild animals and unfamiliar pets as much as possible.
Aside from protecting your pets, there are strategies to protect yourself, including:
- Avoid contact with potentially rabid animals
- Receive rabies vaccines
- And, seek medical attention if a bite or scratch is suspected
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on rabies prevention and control.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides additional information on rabies.
Conclusion
Prioritizing rabies safety is key to protecting yourself and your pets from the risks of this dangerous virus. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and knowing how to respond to potential exposure, you can significantly reduce the chances of rabies transmission and ensure the safety of those around you.