Rabies: A child who died of rabies due to a dog bite in Ghaziabad, knows everything about this disease

Posted on 7th Sep 2023 by rohit kumar

These days everyone is talking about the case that happened in Ghaziabad. Recently a heart-wrenching case has come to light from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Here a 14-year-old child died due to a dog bite. The child was bitten by a dog about 2 months ago, after which the child did not tell his parents about it due to fear. The child contracted rabies due to the dog bite and died after being bitten by the dog.

 

Rabies is a serious disease, which if not treated in time, can prove fatal. Let us know all the things related to rabies which is important for you to know.

 

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection, which is mainly spread by the bite of an infected animal. It is usually fatal if proper treatment is not received at the right time. It is an RNA virus of the rhabdovirus family, which affects the central nervous system of a person. Once it reaches the nervous system, the virus causes intense inflammation in the brain, which can quickly lead to coma and death.

 

There are two types of rabies. The first type, furious or encephalitic rabies, accounts for 80% of human cases and may cause hyperactivity and hydrophobia. The second type, called paralytic or "dumb" rabies, is characterized by paralysis.

 

symptoms of rabies

The first symptoms of rabies may resemble flu and last for several days. Subsequent signs and symptoms may include:-

 

Fever

Headache

nausea

vomit

Nervousness

Worry

Confusion

hyperactivity

difficulty swallowing

excessive salivation

having nightmares

insomnia

partial paralysis

 

due to rabies

Rabies virus causes rabies infection. This virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals. Infected animals can spread the virus by biting another animal or person.

 

In rare cases, rabies can be spread when the saliva of an infected person gets into an open wound or mucous membrane such as the mouth or eyes. This can happen when an infected animal licks an open sore on your skin.

 

Animals that can spread the rabies virus?

Any mammal (an animal that feeds its young) can spread the rabies virus. The animals most likely to spread the rabies virus to people include:

 

pet and farm animals

 

Cat

Cow

dog

ferrets

goat

horses

wild animals

 

Bat

beaver

coyotes

fox

Monkey

raccoon

skunk

woodchucks

 

risk factor

 

Traveling or living in any country where rabies is more common.

Activities that bring you into contact with wild animals that may carry rabies, such as exploring caves where bats live or camping without taking precautions to keep wild animals away from your camping site.

 

Working as a veterinarian.

 

Working in a laboratory with the rabies virus.

 

Wounds on the head or neck can help the rabies virus reach your brain faster.

 

When should one see a doctor?

If you have been bitten by an animal or have come in contact with an animal suspected to have rabies, consult a doctor immediately. Depending on your injuries and the situation in which the exposure occurred, you and your doctor can decide whether you should receive treatment to prevent rabies.

 

Rabies prevention

Vaccinate your pets: Cats, dogs, and ferrets can be vaccinated against rabies. Ask your veterinarian how often your pet should be vaccinated.

 

Keep your pets confined: Keep your pets indoors and supervise them when outside. This will help protect your pets from coming in contact with wild animals.

 

Protect small pets from predators: Keep rabbits and other small pets, such as guinea pigs, inside or in secure cages to keep them safe from wild animals. These small pets cannot be vaccinated against rabies.

 

Report stray animals to local authorities: Call your local animal control officers or other local law enforcement to report stray dogs and cats.

 

Do not go near wild animals: Wild animals suffering from rabies are not afraid of people. It's not normal for any wild animal to be friendly with people, so stay away from any animal that seems fearless.

 

Keep bats out of your home: Seal any cracks and gaps where bats can enter your home. If you know you have bats in your home, work with a local expert to find ways to keep bats out.

 

Also, keep in mind

If you are traveling or often live around animals that may have rabies, be sure to get a rabies vaccination. If you are traveling to a country where rabies is common and you will be there for a long time, ask your doctor if you should get a rabies vaccine.

 

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