Recognize the Signs of Rabies in Animals, Your Ultimate Guide to Protecting Yourself!

Kapanlagi.com - Rabies is a highly dangerous viral infection, usually transmitted through bites from infected animals. This disease can lead to death if not treated quickly and properly. Worldwide, rabies is one of the leading causes of death due to zoonotic diseases, especially in countries with limited access to animal vaccinations and healthcare services.

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and can cause various severe neurological symptoms, making it essential for us to understand how to recognize infected animals and the preventive measures that can be taken. The importance of education regarding rabies cannot be underestimated, especially for those living in areas with populations of wild animals or unvaccinated pets.

By recognizing the early signs of infection, such as behavioral changes, aggressiveness, or difficulty swallowing, we can take the necessary actions to protect ourselves and those around us, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Tuesday(3/12).

1. What is Rabies?

Rabies, a deadly disease caused by a virus from the Lyssavirus genus, targets the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals and humans. The transmission of this virus generally occurs through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, and foxes, where saliva containing the virus can enter through open wounds or mucous membranes.

Once the virus enters the body, it will spread through the peripheral nerves to the brain and spinal cord, with a process that can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the location of the bite and the amount of virus.

When the virus reaches the brain, inflammation occurs, triggering a series of frightening neurological symptoms, and unfortunately, it almost always ends in death once clinical symptoms have appeared.

2. History and Spread of Rabies

Rabies, an ancient disease that has existed since 2300 BC, has a long history in human health. From ancient Egyptian records to the description of symptoms by the Roman author Cornelius Celsus, who even recommended extreme treatment by burning the bite wound, rabies has continued to lurk.

In Indonesia, its traces began to appear in 1884 in West Java, and since then, the disease has spread to various regions, leaving most provinces in an endemic status, except for a few like Java, Bali, and Papua. Globally, rabies remains a serious threat, with approximately 59,000 deaths each year, the majority occurring in Asia and Africa, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

3. Characteristics of Animals Infected with Rabies

Recognizing the signs of animals infected with rabies is very important to prevent transmission. Pay attention to behavioral changes, such as domesticated animals suddenly becoming aggressive or wild animals that are not afraid of humans, which may indicate damage to the nervous system.

Other symptoms include hypersalivation (excessive drooling), hydrophobia (fear of water), changes in vocalization, seizures, progressive paralysis, and decreased appetite. Physical signs such as wounds or bite marks on the head and neck should also be watched for.

Not all rabid animals show all symptoms, so remain vigilant for unusual behavior in animals, especially those that are wild or unfamiliar.

4. Causes of Rabies in Animals

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by the Lyssavirus, which spreads through direct interaction between pets and infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Without regular vaccination, pets are vulnerable to this virus, especially in environments with high populations of wild animals, such as bats and raccoons.

Habitat changes due to human activity also increase the risk of dangerous interactions. Unsupervised pets have a high risk of encountering wild animals that may be infected with rabies.

5. Symptoms of Rabies in Humans

Rabies, a deadly disease caused by a virus, often does not show immediate symptoms after exposure, with an incubation period ranging from a few weeks to several months.

The initial symptoms resemble the flu, such as fever, headache, and nausea, which then progress to an acute neurological phase with confusion, hallucinations, and extreme fear of water and air.

Unfortunately, without prompt treatment, this condition can advance to stages of coma and organ failure, which almost always results in death. Therefore, promptness in prevention and treatment is crucial to combat this deadly threat.

6. Diagnosis of Rabies

Diagnosing rabies in animals and humans is challenging, especially in the early stages of infection. Methods used include clinical observation of bitten animals for 10-14 days to identify symptoms. If the animal shows signs or dies during this period, it is highly likely to be infected.

Laboratory tests such as Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA), Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and Rapid Immunodiagnostic Test (RIDT) are also used to detect the virus. In humans, a skin biopsy from the back of the neck can detect antigens before symptoms appear, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid helps find antibodies or viral RNA.

Brain imaging such as CT scans or MRIs can show changes indicating encephalitis, although they are not specific for rabies. Early diagnosis is important for management and prevention, but confirmation often can only be done after death through examination of brain tissue.

7. Handling and Treatment of Rabies

The handling of rabies consists of two main steps: prevention after exposure and supportive care for severe cases. After exposure to the virus, the first step is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which includes cleaning the wound with soap and water, administering rabies immunoglobulin, and vaccination.

If symptoms appear, treatment focuses on alleviating suffering through sedatives, analgesics, and respiratory support. The Milwaukee Protocol, which induces coma and uses antiviral drugs, is still debated regarding its effectiveness.

For suspected infected animals, isolation or euthanasia is usually performed. Prevention through pet vaccination and community education is crucial for controlling rabies.

8. Rabies Prevention

Rabies prevention requires a holistic approach that includes routine vaccination of pets, control of wild animal populations, and waste management. Community education is important for recognizing infected animals and the steps to take after a bite.

Pre-exposure vaccination is necessary for individuals at high risk, and bite wounds should be washed and treated medically immediately. Infected animals need to be quarantined for 10-14 days. The role of the government in regulation and policy is very important. With the right strategies and high awareness, the risk of rabies transmission can be reduced.

9. When Should You Consult a Doctor?

(kpl/rao)