dog

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that is spread when a rabid animal’s infected saliva is introduced into bite wounds, open cuts on the skin, or onto mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.



In humans, it directly attacks the nervous system causing anxiety, confusion, agitation, excitation, hallucinations, increased salivation, insomnia and fear of water or hydrophobia.



In countries like Africa, Asia and Latin America, the dog remains the major source of infection. However, in Colorado a bat is the cause of this disease.



Precautions for the prevention of Rabies:



1. Do handle or feed wild animals and ask the kids to do the same.

2. Report any strangely acting wild animal to your local humane society.

3. Prevent bats entering your homes through crakes and open windows.

4. Vaccinate your pets regularly.



If a human is exposed to a rabies-positive animal or there is any question as to the rabies status, a post-exposure prophylactic treatment schedule is initiated. Unlike the past, when treatment required 17 consecutive days of shots given in the abdominal muscles, current treatment requires a five-shot protocol given in the deltoid muscle (the triangular muscle on either side of the upper back) starting as soon as possible and repeated on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 or 28.



Image:Pastuer





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