Introduction
Rabies is deadly global disease caused by a virus which is present in the saliva of infected animals and man gets the disease from the infected saliva during the bite. Licking on broken skin or mucus membranes can cause infection. Rabies free countries can be looked at this site. https://www.inspection.gc.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/imports/import-policies/live-animals/pet-imports/rabies-free/eng/1332398392743/1332420396801
Appearance of the virus
Rabies virus belongs to the genus Lyssavirus of the large family of Rhabdoviridae. It is a bullet shaped virus with single strand of RNA.
How to prevent
The virus is quickly killed by heat. The lipid covering is broken by 1% soap solution.
Transmission
Rabies in cities is transmitted mainly by unimmunised domestic animals and street animals especially dogs and cats. Bats are the source of the organism in US and Canada. Laboratory workers, veterinary doctors and dog handlers are more likely to have the infection. Human death following exposure to wildlife like foxes, wolves and jackals are very rare.
Signs and symptoms
Incubation period is 4 to 12 weeks but may range from 5 days to several years. Head, face and neck injuries are near the brain and have less incubation period. The incubation period depends on the site of the bite, the intensity of the bite, the number of wounds, the quantity of the organism in the wounds, the clothes type, and the treatment taken by the patient. The presentation may start with pain and tingling in the scar, fever headache, increased heart rate, restlessness, lack of sleep and muscle pain. The specific symptoms start after 2 to 3 days. There is stage of excitement, increased sensation and fear of water (hydrophobia). The patient may not tolerate bright light and noise. Hallucinations, delusions along with biting and spitting may emerge later. The patient may have fits and may enter the stage of coma. In paralytic or dumb rabies, there may be paralysis. In few days he paraplegia may rise up to include breathing muscles.
Treatment of rabies
Wound treatment is the most significant part of the treatment. It minimises viral quantities. Thoroughly cleaning wounds with soap and water preferably under running water and atleast for 15 minutes and using a virus killing substance such as povidone iodine or 70 % alcohol. No suturing of the wounds. The patient should be kept in a dark room to avoid bright light and noise. The people with the patient should take care with gloves, mask, goggles and should remain away from the patient unless required. Immunoglobulin and vaccination as advised by the physician and antibiotics and anti tetanus if required should be taken. Even with treatment death rates are high.