Rabies is also known as hydrophobia which means 'fear of water'. The disease can be fatal.
Causative organism
It is caused by a rhabdo virus , an RNA virus.
Mode of transmission
This virus enters the body through breaks in the skin. It is commonly spread through the buttes of infected carnivores like dogs, cats, wolves and bats, whose saliva contains the virus.
Symptoms
High fever marks the onset of the infection with severe headaches and sore throat. The patient shows fear at the sight of water and behaves as though he is mad. As the disease progresses, the patient displays great thirst, delirium and crippling convulsions. Death is through respiratory paralysis. The duration is 2 to 6 days.
Control / prevention
The Methods of control and prevention of tabbies are :
• compulsory immunization of all dogs and cats, destruction of strays and the quarantine of animals before being admitted into the country;
• immediate administration of anti rabies vaccine serum to the victim, if the animal concerned is suspected of having rabies; and
• infected persons should be isolated through out the duration of the illness.
