Rabies Causative Agent: Rhabdovirus Mode Of Transmission: Bite Of Rabid

RABIES Causative Agent: Rhabdovirus Mode of Transmission: Bite of rabid animal Source of Infection: Saliva of infected animal or human Incubation Period: 10 – 14 days, 1 day to 5 years Signs and Symptoms: A. Dog – at first withdrawn, tries to hide, then Furious - change in mood, shows nervousness and apprehension - vicious, will bite without any provocation, runs aimlessly - unusual salivation with drooling Dumb or Paralytic - paralysis starts on hind legs spreading - towards entire body - death B. Man 1. Prodromal Stage - headache, sore throat - numbness to tingling sensation at the site of bite - anxious - mental depression - unusual salivation, perspiration, lacrimation 2. Excitement - excessive restlessness, increasing or uncontrollable excitement - agitation, confusion, with periods of calmness - aerophobia, hydrophobia - spitting of saliva 3. Paralytic - flaccid ascending symmetric paralysis - coma, death Diagnostic Examination: Post-Mortem: Fluorescent rabies antibody staining test Treatment: *preventable but not curable once symptoms develop For dog bite: Wash wound with soap and water Seek consultation Immunization ATS/TAT Observe dog for 10 days, if possible With Infection: - Symptomatic and supportive Nursing Care: Strict isolation throughout the course of illness Prevention: 1. Immunization 2. Control of animals