What Is Rabies ?

Rabies is a viral infection of animals that can be transmitted to humans. It is caused by a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which attacks the central nervous system. The virus is usually excreted in the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms or signs appear.

How Is Rabies Transmitted?

Rabies can affect in any warm blooded animal (domestic and wild). In the Philippines, rabies has been transmitted to humans from the bites of dogs (98%) and cats (2%). The virus is usually transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most often by a bite or scratch or licks on broken skin or mucous membrane , such as the eyes, nose or mouth. In very rare cases, person to person transmission has occured when saliva droplets were dispersed in the air.

Signs & Symptoms Of Human Rabies?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Fever Anorexia Nausea & vomiting Headache Pain or paresthesia at site bite Signs of nervous system dysfunction as hyperactivity, disorientation, hallucination, seizures & paralysis

What To Do To Prevent Rabies?(Nursing Interventions)

A. When exposed or bitten by an animal (rabid or not), wash & flush the wound thoroughly with soap and water then seek medical attention for possible post exposure vaccination and wound care immediately. B. Then consult a veterinarian or trained personnel to observe your pet for 14 days for signs of rabies. C. Be a Responsible Pet Owner by having your dog vaccinated for antirabies.Dog Control (leashing or confinement in the house). D. Consult for Rabies Diagnosis & Surveillance of the area. E. Mobilize for Community Participation

How To Organize The Community Against Rabies

Networking with all possible members within the community who can have an active involvement in the Rabies prevention and control program in the area. These include:

government institutions non-government institutions civic and religious organizations schools (private and public) local government officials media others (volunteers)

Ronald M. Malonzo( BSN II-6)