Beware of Rabies: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment in Endemic Areas | Republika.co.id

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Beware of Rabies Animal Bites

Taich: In Indonesia, there are still 26 provinces that are endemic areas for rabies.

Disease name: Rabies alias mad dog disease

Cause: Rabies virus

Infecting animals: Dogs (98 percent), monkeys and cats

Transmission: Scratch, bite, or contact with the saliva of an animal infected with the rabies virus

Characteristics of rabid animals:

– Remove excess saliva

– Biting carelessly

Early symptoms rabies in humans:

– Fever

– Pain around the bite area

Severe symptoms:

– Hallucinations

– Easily anxious

– Frequent excessive salivation (hypersaliva)

Fatality: The rabies virus attacks the brain and nervous system. If not handled properly, the mortality rate is almost 100 percent.

Handling:

– Wash the bite/scratch area with running water and soap for 10-15 minutes

– Immediately go to the hospital to get an anti-rabies vaccine (VAR)

– If the bite wound is very serious and close to the head, anti-rabies serum (SAR) is needed

Prevention

– Rabies vaccination for animals

– Clean the pet cage

– Take care of pets from being contaminated with wild environment

– Get rabies vaccination before visiting an endemic area

Source: Republika Data Center Processor: Reiny Dwinanda