What to know about Human Rabies
Human rabies? We know – this sounds like an episode from the dystopian series, Black Mirror, but in 2023, nothing is impossible!
Human rabies is rare but can be fatal. It's a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, including the brain. It's caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs.
Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels along peripheral nerves to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It then causes inflammation in the brain, leading to a range of symptoms. The incubation period (time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms) can vary, but it usually ranges from a few weeks to several months.
Symptoms
Initial symptoms could feel very run-of-the-mill: fever, headache, tiredness, and discomfort. You might also feel anxious, restless, or irritable. Some people have a tingling sensation or pain at the site where they were infected/bitten.
As the virus takes hold and moves to the brain, the symptoms can get significantly more intense.
- You might become agitated, confused, and hallucinate or delirium.
- You could drool a lot, have trouble swallowing and get anxious around water (hydrophobia), though not everyone experiences these symptoms.
- Muscle spasms, paralysis and convulsions can happen, making you sensitive to light and sound.
- The illness quickly gets worse, and you could fall into a coma and die in a few days to weeks after symptoms start.
Recent Cases in South Africa
In July this year, a total of six laboratory-confirmed human rabies cases were reported. In one case, a 37-year-old man from the Eastern Cape tragically succumbed to rabies after being bitten by his own dog. Unfortunately, he had not received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). To prevent the transmission of rabies to humans, a key measure involves vaccinating domestic dogs and other pets. This is especially significant given that rabies virus exposure frequently occurs through dog bites.
Staying Safe from Rabies
Make sure that your pets (especially dogs and cats) are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. This prevents them from contracting and spreading the virus. It’s tempting to stop and pet every cute dog you see but stay away from unfamiliar or stray animals as they might carry the virus. Also, if you're in an area with rabies risks, avoid contact with wild animals and even domestic pets that seem aggressive or sick.
- If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the virus from spreading if administered soon after exposure.
- Teach your children not to approach or play with animals they don't know. Ensure they understand the risks of getting bitten or scratched.
- If travelling to areas with higher rabies incidence, be careful around animals and do your best to avoid animal bites. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you'll be in contact with animals.
- Avoid touching or handling dead animals, as the virus might still be present in their saliva or bodily fluids.
- Learn about the signs of rabid animals and the proper actions to take in case of potential exposure. Understand the importance of timely medical attention.
- Keep your pets indoors or in a secure environment to minimise their contact with potentially infected animals.
Rabies is a serious disease so take every precaution when dealing with animals.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.