Zombie survival guide – how to prevent being infected

Simply avoid stray animals.

Some zombie films are based on the nature of the rabies virus that infects the human central nervous system and ultimately destroys the brain. Photo: Pixabay- Craig edit

Many zombie films are based on the devastating effects rabies has on humans. With loss of brain function and the apparent mad state the virus causes, it is easy to understand why the two are associated so closely.

The virus spreads easily and symptoms are only noticeable once it is too late.

In light of the recent rabies scare residents of Hekpoort had following an attack by a honey badger, Chitra Bodasing Harduth, ER24 spokesperson issued an informative statement warning residents about the devastating effects of contracting the virus.

“Rabies is a deadly viral disease that penetrates the central nervous system of animals and humans,” Harduth said.

“Once infected, the virus can penetrate the brain, cause decreased brain function and eventually cause a human to go mad.”

Unlike in zombie movies however, there are methods of preventing and treating the easily contractible virus.

Effective vaccines are widely available and easy to come by.

They can effectively prevent contracting the virus and also treat someone who is believed to be infected.

While zombie films often show how one human infects another with the virus, rabies is mostly transmitted from animals to humans.

Dogs are among the most common carriers of the virus. The slightest scratch, bite or lick can transfer the virus from the carrier to the contractor.

What makes the virus so deadly and so easily missed is the appearance of symptoms. The symptoms can either appear a few weeks after being infected or it can appear years after being exposed.

People with rabies could experience a number of signs including headache, fever, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, anxiety, fear of water, paralysis and seizures.

Some zombie films are based on the nature of the rabies virus that infects the human central nervous system and ultimately destroys the brain.
Photo: Pixabay- Craig edit

If you fear you have been exposed to the virus, here’s what you do:

• If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound for at least 15 minutes with soap and water.

• Seek medical attention, even in case of minor injuries caused by an animal.

• Even if you are an adult who was vaccinated against rabies as a child, seek medical attention as a precaution.

Here is what will happen once you reach the hospital:

• Minor injury (scratches) – The wound will be cleaned and dressed with bandages or gauze

• The patient will be given a tetanus shot and if the animal’s rabies status is unknown, an anti-rabies vaccine will be administered.

• Major injuries (punctured skin) – The wound will be washed with tap water and dressed with dry dressing.

• The patient will be given a tetanus injection and if the animals’ rabies status is unknown, a rabies immunoglobulin injection along with an anti-rabies vaccine will be administered.

• An easy way to prevent yourself and your family becoming infected, is simply to have your animals and your family vaccinated against the virus.

“It is actually a legal obligation to vaccinate pets in South Africa,” Harduth said. “If your animal is behaving strangely or aggressively, seek professional help. And simply avoid stray animals.”