25/09/2024
SEPTEMBER –WORLD RABIES MONTH
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW? Here are some of the facts to help you understand:
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease that affects the central nervous system. According to W.H.O. in up to 99% of the human rabies cases, dogs are responsible for virus transmission. Rabies spreads to people and between animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
Children between the age of 5 and 14 years are very often the victims (and succumb as sometimes the bite is not reported).
All species of mammals can be infected with rabies, including dogs,
cats, livestock and wildlife. ARE YOUR PETS ALL VACCINATED? By
law in Zambia dogs must be vaccinated, by a veterinarian, ANNUALLY. If you have cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, donkeys they should also be vaccinated!
The global cost of rabies is estimated to be around US$ 8.6 billion per year including lost lives and livelihoods, medical care and associated costs, as well as uncalculated psychological trauma.
Rabies occurs on all continents except Antarctica. Globally there are an estimated 59 000 deaths from rabies annually; however, especially in Africa, many cases go unreported/documented. Although effective human vaccines and immunoglobulins exist for rabies, these are often inaccessible or unaffordable to those in need.
In Zambia the cost of post exposure prophylaxis (vaccination after a bite) range from k350 to k1000 per vaccine; of which 3-5 vaccines are required, plus in severe bites from known rabid animals,
immunoglobulins are required to be injected into the bite site which is even more costly. The post exposure prophylaxis can be a huge financial burden on those of low socioeconomic status.
The incubation period for rabies is typically 2–3 months but may vary from one week to one year, depending on factors such as the location of bite site (virus entry) and the viral load of the animal. Initial symptoms of rabies include generic signs like fever, pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site. As the virus moves to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops. Clinical rabies in people can be managed but very rarely cured, and not without severe neurological deficits.
There are two forms of rabies (in animals and people):
Furious rabies results in hyperactivity, excitable behaviour,
hallucinations, lack of coordination, hydrophobia (fear of water)
and aerophobia (fear of drafts or of fresh air). Death occurs after a
few days due to cardio-respiratory arrest. This is why the dog
rabies stereotype is ‘aggression and salivation.’
Dumb/Paralytic rabies (less common form). This form of rabies
runs a less dramatic and usually longer course than the furious
form. Muscles gradually become paralysed, starting from the
wound site.
Prevention – WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Vaccinating. Make sure your own dogs (and other pets) are
regularly vaccinated. Help educate and remind your staff who have
dogs, and assist them with transport and funds to access
vaccination for their pets. LHVS do have welfare rates, and
sometimes sponsorship from willing clients; for underprivileged
individuals who would like to access basic veterinary care. Making
sure that all dogs are vaccinated helps to prevent human rabies.
2. Population control for dogs. Reducing stray/uncared for dog
populations is integral. Stray/unvaccinated dogs are at risk of
infection and subsequent transmission to other animals and
people.
3. Donate to organizations and private vets who have programs
helping with mass vaccination and sterilization of stray and rural
dogs.
4. Awareness - Public education for both children and adults on dog behaviour and bite prevention. Do not chase or approach unknown animals unless you have ad pre exposure prophylaxis. What to do if bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal; immediatey wash the wound vigorously with water and antiseptic or soap.
Rabies virus is very labile (doesn’t survive in the environment
easily and can easily be inactivated using normal soap – so for
rural people without antiseptics– just a good old scrub is often
adequate). Responsible pet ownership is an essential component
of rabies prevention. Have these conversations with those around
you. Join the fight. There is a global commitment to end rabies by
2030.
5. Vaccinating people. Effective vaccines are available to immunize
people both before and after potential exposures. If you feel that
you are a high risk individual – ie a vet, or an avid animal rescuer;
get a series of pre-exposure vaccines. If you or a family member or
friend have an encounter with an unknown or suspicious animal
(bite or saliva into the eyes or mouth); immediately wash the
wound/mucosae THEN seek post exposure vaccination. Rather be
safe than sorry! There is NO treatment once signs begin.
