Rabies

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This is a disease caused by a virus that affects brain cells. This virus is usually found in animal vectors and is transmitted to man.

Vectors which may carry the rabies virus, include:
Domestic animals:

• Dogs
• Cats

Wild animals:

• Hyenas
• Foxes
• Wild dogs
• Bats

Clinical features
Fulminant encephalitis with convulsions, circulatory and respiratory failure. Hydrophobia (fear of water) occurs in advanced stages of the disease.

Diagnosis Investigation

• Taking a good history
• Laboratory investigation using immunofluorescent microscopy of smear from the cornea or of a skin biopsy
• Brain examination of dead animals or sacrificed animals

TreatmentStandardised treatment of all animal bites and scratches; these should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed with soap and water.

Antibiotics and Tetanus toxoid should also be administered.

Administration of anti-rabies vaccine as soon as possible after exposure.

The human diploid vaccine may be used as follows:

Condition of animal	Treatment in case of Bite Lick
Healthy, vaccinated with a valid certificate	None
Healthy, not vaccinated None	None
Unknown or escaped	Vaccine + serum
Rabid or suspected	Vaccine + serum

Recommended regimen:

1 dose to be given on Day 0; Day 3; Day 7; Day 14 and Day 28.

If the animal is proved to be healthy after the tenth day, no more vaccine is necessary.

All bites by rabid dogs should be reported to the nearest Veterinary Office.

PreventionVeterinary precautions, which include vaccination of domestic animals, eradication of stray dogs and surveillance control of the epidemiological situation in the wildlife population.

Pre-exposure vaccination

This is administered to high-risk population groups, e.g. veterinary staff and wildlife department personnel. Two doses of human diploid vaccine with one month’s interval, followed by a booster after one year. Repeat booster after every three years.