Don’t let a scratch be the death of you

When we hear the word ‘rabies’, we tend to think about the signs and symptoms presented by an infected animal (wild or domestic), but do you know what to look for in humans? What do you do to prevent an innocent scratch or bite from becoming a death sentence?

World Rabies Day is on 28 September and ER24 is urging people to educate themselves about this disease.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting both humans and animals but it is vaccine preventable. It is mainly transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal (domestic or wild) when the animal licks broken skin on a person, but can also be transmitted occur through scratches and bites.

The most common source of rabies is said to be dogs.

Rabies in humans can be prevented if the correct treatment is followed after being exposed to a rabid animal, but people who have been infected and have already developed symptoms rarely survive. Sadly many of these fatalities are young children.

Symptoms could appear any time from a few weeks to a few years after being exposed to the disease and include headache, fever, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, anxiety, fear of water, paralysis and seizures.

Treatment of bites depends on the severity of the injury as well as whether the dog was a stray or pet that was immunised or not. All patients will be treated on the assumption that the dog was not immunised – except if proof of immunisation can be shown.

Everyone bitten or scratched by a dog, even if the injury is minor, should seek immediate medical care – including adults who received the vaccination as a child.

Should you be bitten by a animal believed to be rabid and medical care is not available immediately, the wound should be washed immediately with water and soap for at least 15 minutes.

Preventative care following possible exposure to rabies, includes:

– For minor scratches and abrasions on the surface of the skin, if the dog was immunised, a tetanus shot will be given and the wounds cleaned and dressed. Should the immunisation status be unknown, the same procedure will be followed, but an anti-rabies vaccination will also be administred.

– Deeper scratches, wounds or puncture wounds should be washed with tap water and dressed with a dry dressing. A tetanus vaccination will be given in the case of an immunised dog. In cases where the immunisation status is unknown, the patient will receive an anti-rabies vaccination and a dose of rabies immunoglobulin.

To reduce chance of your dog being infected, follow the law and vaccinate!

If your dog behaves strangely or aggressively without being provoked – seek professional help. Mandy Cattanch, manager of the Roodepoort SPCA says, “For pet owners who want to have peace of mind, the solution is simple – take your pet to the vet, where it can be vaccinated. It is always better to be safe than sorry.”

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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