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Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus that can infect any warm-blooded mammal (both domestic and wild) and is commonly seen in dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves and bats.1 Those infected mammals in close contact people may transmit the disease to humans (such as cattle, horses and domestic dogs).1 Once it enters the body, the virus attacks the central nervous system, eventually affecting the brain.1 Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms occur.1
Israel and neighboring countries are infected with rabies. Therefore, every year there is a need to treat hundreds of people who have been bitten or exposed to contact with infected or suspected animals infected with Rabies.2
Rabies is found around the world, except Antarctica. Travelers who may come into contact with wild or domestic animals are at risk for rabies. This includes travelers spending a lot of time outdoors (such as campers and cavers), travelers with occupational risks (such as veterinarians and wildlife professionals), and long-term travelers and expatriates. Children are also at higher risk because they often play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to be bitten on the head and neck.5
Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 months, but may vary considerably from days to years, depending on various factors.1,3
The earliest symptoms tend to be flu-like, consisting of headache, generally feeling unwell, fever, and fatigue, and may also include pain or tingling at the site of exposure.3
Symptoms will continue to progress quickly as the virus spreads to and attacks the central nervous system. The illness can present itself in one of two ways:1,3
In both forms of the illness, death usually occurs within 7 to 14 days due to paralysis of the muscles that help facilitate breathing.1
Rabies is caused by a virus, which is most often transmitted from mammal-to-mammal (including humans) through saliva, most commonly by a bite or scratch, or by licks on broken skin or mucous membranes (such as the eyes, nose or mouth).1,3,4 While it is theoretically possible for rabies to be transmitted from human-to-human, no such case has been confirmed, and therefore occurs through animal-to-human contact.1 Humans most often contract the disease through domestic dogs, making dog vaccination important in preventing rabies in humans.3
Rabies vaccines are available and can be used to prevent the virus from entering the central nervous system. It can be administered either before being exposed to rabies (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or after exposure to rabies (post-exposure prophylaxis).1,4
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is indicated for vaccination of people who are at a high risk of contact with potentially rabid animals or the rabies virus (for example certain laboratory workers, veterinarians, animal control and wildlife workers, travelers to countries with rabies, etc.).4
Post-exposure prophylaxis is a priority for anyone exposed to animals with confirmed or suspected rabies due to the fact that rabies is almost always fatal.1, It should be administered as soon as possible after exposure and should always be administered, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since exposure.1
If an individual has been bitten by an animal and they believe they may have been exposed to rabies, they should immediately and thoroughly wash and flush the wound with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes.3,4 They should then contact a healthcare provider immediately to assess their risks and the need for treatment.3
Once symptoms of rabies are present there is no treatment for the illness.3 Medical advice is recommended for the onset of symptoms. For further information regarding rabies and immunization, please speak with your healthcare provider.
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