Recognise the signs of a killer disease

World Rabies Day 8 September 2010

Rabies is a viral illness that can affect any warm-blooded animal including humans. It is usually transmitted via the bite of animals such as dogs and bats.  The virus attacks the brain of victims and, if it is not treated soon after the bite, causes them to die in agony.

World Rabies Day is on 8 September 2010 and is celebrated annually to improve awareness of this dangerous illness. As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some information on rabies and advice on how to deal with the condition when you are confronted with it.

Rabies occurs throughout the country but is found in some provinces, such as KwaZulu-Natal, more often than others. Fortunately, it is not a very common condition; the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has only confirmed six cases of rabies in humans in South Africa so far this year. Experts believe that it is much more common in this country than this figure suggests, however, particularly in rural areas. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) approximately 55 000 human deaths occur every year around the world as a result of rabies. Most rabies deaths occur in developing countries on the African and Asian continents.

It is important for people, especially in rural areas, to be able to recognise the signs of rabies in animals and to know what to do in the event someone is bitten by a rabid animal because it is a deadly disease if it is not treated properly.

People catch the rabies virus via the saliva of an infected animal. Usually it is passed on through a bite, but it is possible to get the disease from a scratch or lick from an infected animal.

It is vital that people stay away from stray dogs and wild animals. Dog bites are the most common way the disease is passed on to humans in South Africa, so be wary of dogs you do not know and keep your children away from them. Children are often the victims of bite as they enjoy playing with animals. Children should not be allowed to play with or keep wild animals, such as meerkats, as pets. Such animals could be carrying the disease and easily bite someone.

Also try to keep your dogs away from other stray dogs or animals as they too can be bitten and become infected.

Animals that have been infected with rabies often behave strangely. They may become very passive or very aggressive and some wild animals may lose their fear of humans. Some infected animals may foam at the mouth, while others may become paralysed. People should stay away from any animal that is behaving unusually, even if it is their own pet.

One way pet owners can prevent their pets from catching rabies and becoming a danger is to have them vaccinated against the disease at a veterinarian. This is one of the best ways to protect the family and your children against rabies. Rabies vaccinations for pets should be kept up to date and owners should enquire at the vet as to when the next vaccination should be done.

A rabies vaccine is available for people, but it is usually only recommended for people who work closely with animals and are at high risk of coming into contact with the disease such as vets and animal handlers. Usually people are only treated once they have been exposed to the virus.

If you have been bitten by an animal and are not sure if it is rabid, rather be safe than sorry and seek medical attention. If a person is bitten by an animal that is suspected of having rabies one must clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention urgently.  If a patient is not treated in time and the disease is allowed to set in they will die, so speed is of the essence.

The first signs of rabies in a person may include headaches, fever, agitation, and confusion.

People who have been exposed to rabies receive a series of post-exposure vaccines. If they are thought to be at high risk of developing rabies (such as after having been bitten by a rabid animal) they may also be treated with rabies immune globulin, which is a blood product that contains antibodies against rabies.

It is important to be aware of rabies as it is a very dangerous disease. Fortunately, it is also usually easily preventable if a few basic steps are followed. The good news for anyone that does become infected, is that it is treatable, so make sure that anyone who has been bitten by a rabid animal gets medical attention as quickly as possible.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send an SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

References

1. ‘Rabies', World Health Organization, www.who.int/topics/rabies/en/
2. ‘Rabies vaccine questions and answers', Immunization Action Coalition, www.vaccineinformation.org/rabies/qandavax.asp.
3. ‘World Rabies Day', South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), www.savc.org.za.