Can you get rabies if you get bitten by an animal? Everything you need to know

Did your child get scratched by a stray dog ​​while playing in the yard? Or did you get a small cut while doing housework while trying to catch a bat that fell from the roof? Things like this can happen in our lives. Most of the time, we don't pay attention to these small scratches. But the damage that can be caused by these small things is not small. Today we are going to talk about a dangerous disease that can be transmitted from such an animal, has no cure if it develops, but is 100% preventable if you are aware of it in advance. That is rabies, or as we all know it, Rabies.

Simply put, what is rabies?

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus (Rabies virus - RABV). It is mainly transmitted through the saliva of an animal that has this disease. Imagine, a dog that has rabies bites you. The virus in the animal's saliva enters your body through the wound. Not only that, but if the animal's saliva gets on a scratched wound, or if this saliva gets on your eyes, nose, or mouth, you can also get this disease.

The worst part about this is that there is no treatment for it once symptoms appear, and it is 100% fatal. But the best part is that if you get proper treatment right after the bite, before symptoms appear, you can 100% prevent the disease from developing. That's why it's so important to be aware of this.

How does the rabies virus work inside the body?

This is like a stealthy enemy. After an animal bites you, this virus enters the body through the wound and doesn't cause any immediate illness. It travels very slowly. It travels slowly along our nerves until it reaches our central nervous system, which is the spinal cord and brain.

This journey can take weeks, sometimes months, and very rarely even years. We call this period the incubation period . During this time, you won't show any symptoms. You won't feel anything. But the virus is active inside your body.

The real game begins when the virus reaches the brain. That's where it damages the nervous system and causes dangerous symptoms. Beyond that point, the disease becomes uncontrollable, eventually leading to coma and death.

What are the symptoms that people show?

The symptoms of rabies do not come on suddenly. They appear in stages. The initial symptoms are very similar to those of a common cold, so some people may ignore them.

Prodromal symptoms

These symptoms can last from two to ten days after the virus enters the nervous system.

• Very hot.
• Excessive fatigue.
• Burning, itching, numbness, or pain at the site of the animal bite . This is a very specific symptom.
• Cough and sore throat.
• Body ache.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Acute neurologic symptoms

At this stage, the virus has begun to seriously damage the brain and spinal cord. These symptoms can occur in two main ways.

Whatever the symptoms, they will eventually lead to coma and death. So waiting for symptoms to appear is not a good idea.

What animals transmit rabies?

Rabies can affect any mammal (warm-blooded animal). Among the animals around us in Sri Lanka, the disease is most commonly reported from stray dogs. However, we should also be concerned about these animals:

• Puso
• Bat
• Mugatiyo
• Farm animals like cows and goats
• Fox

But remember, even your pet dog or cat can get this disease if they haven't been properly vaccinated against rabies. Therefore, it's essential to vaccinate your pets on time.

What should you do immediately if you are bitten by an animal?

This is the most important part of this article. If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by an animal, do these things without delay .

1. Wash the wound: Immediately wash the wound thoroughly under running water (under a tap) with soap and water for about 10-15 minutes. This can remove most of the virus from the wound. This is the most important first aid.

2. See a doctor: After washing the wound, immediately go to the nearest government hospital or a doctor. Explain exactly what happened. Give details such as what the animal that bit you looked like, whether you recognize the animal, and whether the animal was behaving strangely.

3. Applying medicine to the wound: Do not apply anything like chalk, chili powder, or coffee grounds to the wound. Also, do not bandage the wound. The doctor will provide the necessary treatment.

4. Getting treatment: Depending on the nature of your wound and information about the animal, your doctor will decide whether or not you need to receive a series of rabies vaccinations (post-exposure prophylaxis/PEP).

What is the rabies vaccination series (PEP)?

PEP is the treatment given to prevent rabies after an animal bite. It has two main parts.

• Rabies vaccine: This is a series of shots given over several days. Usually 4 or 5 shots are given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 (sometimes 28). This shot teaches your body's immune system to fight the rabies virus.
• Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG): This is given to people who have never had the rabies vaccine before, especially in cases of severe injuries. It works by injecting antibodies into the wound to fight the virus until your body builds up immunity. It's like bringing in a special forces unit from outside until your body's own army is ready.

How to protect yourself from rabies?

Rabies is a disease that is much easier to prevent than to treat.

• Vaccinate your pets: Be sure to vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies on time.
• Don't let pets loose: Keep them under your supervision to prevent them from coming into contact with other sick animals.
• Don't approach unfamiliar animals: Don't approach unfamiliar dogs or cats that are on the street, without an owner, or that don't have a name. Teach your children about this too.
• Stay away from wild animals: Do not approach or feed wild animals. If you see an injured animal, do not approach or feed it and inform wildlife officials.
• If an animal is behaving strangely: If an animal is causing a disturbance for no reason, or is attacking everyone, stay away from it. Report it to the relevant authorities.
• People in high-risk occupations: Veterinarians, animal handlers, and wildlife officers are wise to get the rabies vaccine (pre-exposure prophylaxis/PREP) in advance. Talk to your doctor about it.

When should you go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)?

It is essential to see a doctor at any time after an animal bite. However, in the following cases, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.

• If the wound is deep.
• If the bleeding from the wound cannot be stopped.
• If the wound is in a place with a lot of nerves, like your face, neck, or fingertips.

Rabies is not a disease to be taken lightly. But it is not something to be afraid of. The most important thing is to be aware and act responsibly. Vaccinating your pet on time, being careful with unfamiliar animals, and seeking proper medical care without delay in case of any accident is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

Rabies, if bitten by a dog, if bitten by an animal, rabies vaccine, rabies vaccine, rabies symptoms sinhala