Rabies in humans can be prevented as long as it is promptly treated. When an individual sustained any form of animal bite especially cats, raccoons, bats and dogs, it is vital to seek immediate care. In most cases, rabies usually comes from bites or scratches from wild animals.
What you have to do before the symptoms of rabies start
Once the symptoms of rabies start to manifest, the infection is almost fatal which simply means that it is vital to determine if exposure to the virus occurred. The ideal way to check for rabies is to capture the animal and have it tested. Any exposure to a wild animal including scratches, bites or transfer of blood or saliva into an open wound, it should be assessed by a doctor.
If it is a domestic cat, dog or ferret that does not appear sick, the animal can be placed under observation for 10 days. Testing is not needed unless it starts to show signs of illness. In such cases, as long as the individual can be observed, the individual does not have to be given the rabies vaccine.
The treatment is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and whether or not the doctor will start it depends on the type of animal and whether or not it can be tested or observed.
Symptoms of rabies
The symptoms of rabies start in the same way just like with other infections and many individuals feel as if they have the flu such as the following:
- Headache
- Fever
- General feeling of being sick that lasts for days after sustaining a bite
In case treatment was not started after an animal bite or scratch or had physical contact with a wild animal but was not bitten and starts to feel flu-like symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Remember that this is not an emergency that requires emergency assistance but it is vital to bring the individual to the nearest emergency department if a doctor is not available. As the condition progresses, the symptoms will start to affect the nerves and the brain with the following:
- Anxiety
- Tingling or numbness at the site of bite or scratch
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal or erratic behavior
- Inability to sleep
- Neurological defects
Treatment for rabies
The initial first aid care for rabies is the same for all animal bites. The first step is to cleanse the wound thoroughly using water and soap. Always remember that cleansing the wound is an essential step. If povidone iodine is available, it can also be used.
The treatment after wound cleaning is through the vaccination (PEP) that is administered via injection. The doctor will explain the schedule of the injections required.