Liliana B. G. Momin
Rhianon S. M. Sangma
C.V.Sc. & AH, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram.
The sudden need of awareness against Rabies, which is a ‘Life Threatening’ zoonotic disease has risen considerably with the passage of time. This disease is also known as Hydrophobia (fear of water). Rabies kills more than 55,000 people in the world every year. Approximately 20,000 people die every year in India due to Rabies (WHO SEA report 2009). On an average, over 5,000 people are bitten by dogs every year in Meghalaya. The number of Stray dogs has also reportedly increased in the state.
Rabies is highly fatal viral infection that causes acute inflammation of the brain & spinal cord in most of the mammals including human beings. It is caused by Lyssa/Rabies virus. This disease is also called Hydrophobia as the patient suffering from this disease is unable to drink water due to paralysis of the throat and facial muscles. It is usually transmitted in saliva through the bite of an infected animal or by licking of the wounds or cuts by the infected animal. Since it affects the brain, it may cause madness and then coma and ultimately death of the individual. Death can even occur without coma.
This disease is important as it can be transmitted from animal to man or vice versa through the bite of an infected animal or by penetration of the rabies virus through other means, say a rabid dog licking the wound or injured part of the body as mentioned earlier. Even so, if the rabies virus has not reached the saliva of rabid animal, the disease will not transmit. More than 95% of human cases are the result of bites from rabid dogs.
As a thumb rule, not all the animals or pets are infected with the virus. However, bats are assumed to be natural reservoir of the disease in the Central and South America whereas Mongoose is believed to be the natural reservoir of the disease in India and South Africa. If any animal is infected, then, the first sign is a change in behaviour. The infected animal will stop eating and drinking due to paralysis of throat and muscles of mastication. As the disease progress the animal dies within 10 days of the first signs.
Namely two forms are exhibited by the animal:
The Dumb/Paralytic Form: Here the animal becomes unconscious and has a peculiar starring expression with profuse salivation and inability to swallow. The lower jaw will drop and the animal will rarely attempt to bite. Thus, animal goes into coma and dies.
Furious form: Here the animal exhibits vicious behaviour normally classified as “mad dog syndrome” hence the name “mad dog disease”. The animal will bite and slash any moving/non-moving object and will not listen to the owner. It chews noisily with excess salivation which is particularly foamy and may adhere to the face and lips.
When a human being is bitten by a rabid dog, the disease will start developing with some abnormal sensations at the site of exposure followed by mild fever, headache, nausea and sore throat. Hypersensitivity, anxiety, muscular spasm, teary eyes, dilation of pupils, salivation and perspiration are evident. In later stages, the muscles involved in swallowing and breathing experience severe spasms and so the person develops hydrophobia. Progressive paralysis occurs followed by convulsion and finally death due to respiratory paralysis. Patients remain same until terminal coma. This disease is highly variable in humans as it may range from days to years. In some cases, the symptoms start appearing as late as 20 years.
If you are bitten by a rabid dog/animal, firstly, wash the wound with any detergent/soap. Seek medical attention ASAP. Inform the local animal authorities about the animal. In any case, chances should not be taken. Once rabies develops, rarely a person survives. You should also vaccinate your pet at regular interval.
Remember: “PREVENTION IS BETTER THEN CURE”
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/some-common-queries-on-rabies/