Rabies researchers from the United States recommend How to protect yourself from infection Requesting the public to study risk factors that cause disease. To prevent future epidemics
In November, it was reported that rabies was discovered in a kitten in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. It is a virus found only in raccoons in the eastern Appalachian Mountains.
The infection was discovered in a kitten hundreds of miles from the source of the disease. creating concern about future epidemics As a result, officials launched an operation to vaccinate raccoons against rabies in the area.
Rabies researcher Rodney Rodd (Rodney Rohde) from Texas State University and Charles Ruprecht (Charles Rupprecht) from Auburn University (Auburn University) is following this situation closely. Ready to write an article published in The Conversation media on January 9th.
Both stated that Although the actions of the officials were successful in reducing the risk of the spread of rabies, But the public should understand the transmission pattern of the infection. How the rabies vaccine works and how to protect yourself from disease To avoid uncontrollable epidemics in the future.
Rabies is caused by the Lyssavirus, which has been around since thousands of years ago. Incubation of the infection takes from a few days to several months. At first, symptoms usually appear like the common cold. then develops into severe symptoms such as brain infections The nervous system is damaged. Leading to symptoms of paralysis confused thoughts Have aggressive behavior and eventually died
This virus can spread in the right environment. It is carried by some animals, such as bats, foxes, wolves, raccoons, and skunks. Humans can get the virus through wounds from bites. However, cases of infection through open wounds, eyes, nose, and mouth have been found, but this is rare.
In terms of the outbreak It can be difficult to measure because there is a lack of investigation and monitoring of the disease. Especially among poor populations that lack public health infrastructure. and do not have access to the rabies vaccine
Tens of thousands of people die from rabies each year. As for the animal population The United States has reported an 18.2% decrease in animal infections between 2020 and 2021.
COVID-19 outbreak The former makes it more likely that the infection will spread among wildlife populations. Because officials are unable to administer vaccines during the epidemic crisis.
In addition, there are ecological factors. Society and Economy that causes the spread of infection in humans As in the case of China The spread of the virus was found to be related to the distance from cities and transportation centers.
Climate change is another factor that promotes the spread of infection. This is because disease-carrying animals change their habitats according to changing air temperatures. The warmer the world gets Vector animals that live in the tropics are even more dispersed.
Disease prevention can be done by vaccinating carrier animals. Many countries began giving oral vaccines to wild animals since the 1960s and were able to control the spread of the virus well among wolves, foxes and raccoons living in Europe and North America. Oral vaccination of dogs can control the disease well in India and Thailand.
Another option is to vaccinate humans against rabies before or after exposure to the virus. Among those at high risk, such as wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and animal trainers and people traveling to areas with high rabies outbreaks Just two doses of the vaccine are effective at protecting against infection.
The vaccine can also be given after exposure. You should receive the first dose of the vaccine within the day of the animal bite. and another three doses within 14 days thereafter. This will create effective immunity against disease.
However, there are many people who do not get vaccinated after being bitten by an animal. because he thought the bite mark was small Not likely to be infected Or some people may not remember when they were exposed. Because rabies can have an incubation period of several months.
In some cases, doctors decide to give the vaccine right away. If it is found that the person receiving the vaccine has risk factors such as in the United States Vaccination is given to people suspected of coming into contact with bats. Although not bitten by a bat
Rhoade and Rupres summarize methods for preventing rabies as follows:
- Give pets the rabies vaccine every year.
- Avoid wild animals that exhibit strange behavior, such as unusual aggression.
- Avoid contact with sick, injured, or dead animals.
- Avoid poking the animal, disturbing its sleep, or removing the baby animal from its habitat.
- If bitten by an animal You should see a disease control officer or doctor. to consider risks and further vaccination
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2024-01-19 06:55:56
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