Tiếng Việt
1. What is Rabies?
Rabies is a severe acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. When the virus enters the body through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal, it attacks the nervous system and is fatal if not treated promptly.
2. Causes of Rabies
The rabies virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and is primarily transmitted through:
- Bites or scratches from rabid animals, most commonly dogs, cats, and bats.
- Direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal through open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
- Organ transplantation from an infected person (extremely rare).
3. Symptoms of Rabies
The incubation period for rabies in humans is typically 1 to 3 months, but in some cases, it can last up to a year. The disease progresses through three stages:
a. Incubation Period
- No clear symptoms.
- Usually lasts 1 to 3 months, but can be shorter if the bite is near the central nervous system.
b. Prodromal Stage
- Mild fever, headache, and fatigue.
- Pain, itching, tingling, or unusual sensations at the bite site.
- Anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
c. Acute Neurological Phase
Rabies manifests in two clinical forms:
- Furious Rabies: The patient experiences agitation, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of air movement), muscle spasms, excessive salivation, followed by paralysis and death due to respiratory failure.
- Paralytic Rabies: Less common, characterized by progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, coma, and eventual death.
4. Prevention of Rabies
a. Rabies Vaccination
- For pets: Regular rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, as recommended annually.
- For humans: People at high risk (veterinarians, animal handlers) should receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination.
b. First Aid for Animal Bites
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for at least 15 minutes.
- Disinfect with 70% alcohol or iodine solution.
- Seek medical attention for rabies vaccination if necessary.
c. Control of Wild Animals
- Avoid contact with stray or wild animals.
- Report animals showing rabies symptoms to veterinary authorities.
5. Treatment of Rabies
Currently, there is no effective cure for rabies. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. The only way to prevent rabies after an exposure is immediate post-exposure vaccination before symptoms develop.
6. Conclusion
Rabies is a dangerous but entirely preventable disease through vaccination and proper preventive measures. Raising awareness about rabies is crucial to protecting both individual and community health.