VALDEZ, Brainer VALIN, Gerielle VALMOCENA, Arvi RABIES (Hydrophobia, Lyssa) Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the

rabies virus, a rhabdovirus, of the genus lyssavirus. It is fatal once signs and symptoms appear. There are two kinds: urban or canine rabies is transmitted by dogs while sylvatic rabies is a disease of wild animals and bats which sometimes spread to dogs, cats and livestock. Approximately 300 to 600 Filipinos die of rabies every year. Mode of Transmission Usually by bites of a rabid animal whose saliva has the virus. The virus may also be introduced into a scratch or in fresh breaks in the skins (very rare). Transmission from man to man is possible. Airborne spread in a cave with millions of bats have occurred, although rarely. Organ transplant (corneal) taken from a person dying of diagnosed central nervous system disease have resulted in rabies in the recipients. Incubation Period The usual incubation period is 2 to 8 weeks. It can be as long as a year or several years depending on the severity of the wounds, site of wound as distance from the brain, amount of virus introduced and protection provided by clothing. Period of Communicability In dogs and cats, for 3 to 10 days before onset of clinical signs (rarely over 3 days) and throughout the duration of the disease. Susceptibility and Resistance All warm-blooded mammals are susceptible. Natural immunity in man is unknown. Signs and Symptoms in Man Sense of apprehension Headache Fever Sensory change near site of animal bite Spasms of muscles or deglutition on attempts to swallow (hydrophobia) Paralysis Delirium and convulsions Without medical intervention, the rabies victim would usually last for only 2 to 6 days. Death is often due to respiratory paralysis.

Management and Prevention The wound must be immediately and thoroughly washed with soap and water. Antiseptics such as povidone iodine or alcohol may be applied. The patients may be given antibiotics and anti-tetanus immunization. Post-exposure treatment is given to persons who are exposed to rabies. It consists of local wound treatment, active immunization (vaccination) and passive immunization (administration of rabies immunoglobulin). a.) Active immunization aims to induce body to develop antibodies against rabies up to 3 years. b.) Passive immunization the process of giving an antibody to persons in order to provide immediate protection against rabies which should be administered within the first 7 days of active immunization. The effect of the immunoglobulin is only short term. Consult a veterinarian or trained personnel to observe your pet for 14 days to observe for signs of rabies. Be a responsible pet owner a.) Have pet immunized at 3 months of age and every year thereafter. b.) Never allow pet to roam the streets. c.) Bathe, feed them regularly with adequate food, provide them with clean sleeping quarters.