| What
Is Rabies ? |
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Rabies
is a viral infection of animals that can be transmitted to humans.
It is caused by a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which attacks
the central nervous system. The virus is usually excreted in the
saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is almost always fatal once
symptoms or signs appear.
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| How
Is Rabies Transmitted? |
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| Rabies
can affect in any warm blooded animal (domestic and wild). In the
Philippines, rabies has been transmitted to humans from the bites
of dogs (98%) and cats (2%).
The
virus is usually transmitted through the saliva of infected animals,
most often by a bite or scratch or licks on broken skin or mucous
membrane , such as the eyes, nose or mouth. In very rare cases,
person to person transmission has occured when saliva droplets were
dispersed in the air.
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Signs
& Symptoms Of Canine Rabies?
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- Unusual
restlessness
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Fever
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Dilatation of pupils
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Watchful apprehensive look
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Biting at inanimate objects
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Aimless running & unprovoked
aggressiveness
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Difficulty of swallowing followed by
a change in the bark or howling sounds
of animals
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Signs
& Symptoms Of Human Rabies?
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- Fever
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Anorexia
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Nausea & vomiting
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Headache
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Pain or paresthesia at site bite
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Signs of nervous system dysfunction
as hyperactivity, disorientation,
hallucination, seizures & paralysis
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What
To Do To Prevent Rabies?
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- When
exposed or bitten by an animal (rabid or not), wash & flush
the wound thoroughly with soap and water then seek medical attention
for possible post exposure vaccination and wound care immediately.
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Then consult a veterinarian or trained personnel to observe your
pet for 14 days for signs of rabies.
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Be a Responsible Pet Owner by having your dog vaccinated for anti-rabies.Dog
Control (leashing or confinement in the house).
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Consult for Rabies Diagnosis & Surveillance of the area.
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Mobilize for Community Participation
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How
To Organize The Community Against Rabies
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| Who
can Help Us ? |
Everybody in the Community |
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| Networking
with all possible members within the community who can have an active
involvement in the Rabies prevention and control program in the area.
These
include:
- government
institutions
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non-government institutions
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civic and religious organizations
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schools (private and public)
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local government officials
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media
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others (volunteers)
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