Rabies

What is rabies?

Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the brain and nerves. It is caused by a virus that is mainly found in dogs but can spread to humans through bites, scratches, or even licks on broken skin. Once a person starts showing symptoms, rabies is almost always fatal.

In Africa, rabies is a major health problem. According to the world health organization (WHO), more than 95% of human rabies cases worldwide occur in Africa and Asia. Every year, about 21,000 people in Africa die from rabies, mostly due to bites from unvaccinated dogs. Many of these deaths could be prevented through vaccination and early treatment.

How common is rabies in Africa?

Rabies is widespread in Africa, especially in rural areas where people have close contact with animals. Some key facts about rabies in Africa include: •        More than 40% of rabies victims are children under 15 years old.

  • Over 80% of rabies deaths in Africa are due to bites from dogs that have not been vaccinated.
  • Many people do not seek medical attention after an animal bite due to lack of awareness or access to healthcare.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Rabies symptoms do not appear immediately. The period between a bite and the first signs of illness (called the incubation period) can be between 1 week to 1 year, but it is usually between 3 weeks to 3 months. The disease affects the brain and leads to death if not treated early.

Early symptoms (first signs of rabies)

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Weakness and tiredness
  • Pain, tingling, or burning at the site of the bite

Later symptoms

There are two main types of rabies:

Furious rabies (most common type) People with this form of rabies become extremely restless, aggressive, and may develop strange behaviors. Symptoms include:

  • Insomnia (lack of sleep)
  • Anxiety and confusion
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
  • Excess saliva (foaming at the mouth)
  • Difficulty swallowing and fear of water (hydrophobia)

Paralytic rabies (less common but still deadly) This type progresses more slowly, leading to paralysis and coma. Symptoms include:

  • Gradual muscle weakness
  • Difficulty moving or walking
  • Coma, followed by death

How do people get rabies?

Rabies spreads through contact with an infected animal’s saliva. The most common ways people get rabies include:

  • Dog bites (most common source in Africa)
  • Scratches from infected animals
  • Licking of open wounds or broken skin by an infected animal

Wild animals such as bats, raccoons, and monkeys can also carry rabies, but in Africa, dogs are responsible for over 90% of rabies infections in humans.

How can you prevent rabies?

Rabies is 100% preventable! Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

  • Vaccinate your dogs and cats regularly.
  • Avoid stray or unknown animals.
  • Supervise children when playing near animals.
  • Report stray animals to local authorities.
  • If you work with animals, consider getting the rabies vaccine.

Can rabies be cured?

Once symptoms appear, rabies has no cure. However, if treated early, a person who has been bitten by an infected animal can completely recover.

What to do after an animal bite?

If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, follow these steps immediately:

  • Wash the wound thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with soap and running water.

This helps remove the virus.

  • Apply antiseptic (iodine or alcohol) to the wound.
  • Go to the nearest health center immediately for a rabies vaccine.
  • If possible, observe the animal for 10 days. If it shows signs of illness, inform a vet or health officer.

The rabies vaccine: Your best protection?

The rabies vaccine is the only way to prevent rabies after exposure. Treatment includes:

A series of five rabies vaccine shots over 14 days

Rabies immunoglobulin (a special medicine that provides instant protection)