Rabies is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by the Rabies virus, a member of the Lyssavirus genus within the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected animals, with dogs and cats being the most common culprits. Despite being entirely preventable through vaccination, rabies continues to claim lives, with recent data showing alarming numbers in India.
Rabies: An Overview
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The Rabies virus is an RNA virus found in the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and other mammals. Once the virus enters the body, it targets the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if left untreated. The disease has a long incubation period, with symptoms typically appearing within a few weeks to several months after the infection.
Symptoms of Rabies
The symptoms of rabies can be divided into two stages: the prodromal stage and the acute neurological stage.
Prodromal Stage:
- Fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
- Anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, hallucinations, and insomnia.
- Difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation.
- Fear of drinking fluids due to difficulty swallowing.
Acute Neurological Stage:
- Partial paralysis and muscle weakness.
- Agitation and aggressive behavior.
- Hydrophobia (fear of water) due to painful spasms when attempting to drink.
Government Initiatives for Rabies Control
To combat the prevalence of rabies and reduce the number of fatalities, governments implement various initiatives and programs. In India, the National Rabies Control Programme has been launched to tackle the disease effectively.
- Provision of Vaccines: The program aims to provide free rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin to those exposed to the virus through animal bites. By making these treatments easily accessible, the program seeks to prevent the progression of the disease in affected individuals.
- Training and Awareness: The National Rabies Control Programme emphasizes the importance of appropriate animal bite management, rabies control and prevention, surveillance, and intersectoral coordination. Training sessions are conducted to educate healthcare professionals and the public about rabies prevention measures.
- Surveillance and Reporting: Strengthening the surveillance of animal bites and rabies-related deaths reporting is vital for understanding the disease’s spread and formulating effective control strategies.
Prevention and Control of Rabies
- Preventing rabies primarily involves taking proactive measures to reduce exposure to the virus.
- Vaccinate Pets: Pet owners should ensure their dogs and cats are up-to-date with rabies vaccinations. This step not only protects the pets but also prevents the transmission of the virus to humans.
- Seek Immediate Treatment: In case of an animal bite or suspected exposure to rabies, seeking immediate medical attention and getting vaccinated can prevent the development of the disease.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Washing wounds thoroughly with soap and water after an animal bite is crucial to minimize the risk of infection.
- Stay Away from Wild Animals: Avoid contact with wild animals, as they might carry the virus and transmit it through bites.
