Rabies is a type of virus that can be transmitted to humans through the bites or scratches of infected wild animals. These infections can cause serious health effects and even death, so it is important to know how to prevent them.
Rabies is a type of dangerous virus that can be transmitted to humans through the bites or scratches of infected wild animals. This virus is spread through saliva, and the danger of rabies can cause serious effects on the body.
Animals at risk of spreading rabies are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and monkeys. In certain cases, dogs and cats can also transmit rabies if they are not domesticated or have not been vaccinated.
Rabies can be fatal for anyone who catches the virus, including children. Consider the following, the dangers of rabies that can occur in children, how to handle them, and how to prevent them.
The Danger of Rabies in Children
Infection is very dangerous if it occurs in children, and the risk of death will be higher if certain symptoms appear that trigger organ failure. This condition can occur because after the rabies virus enters the body, it can move to the brain through the nerves.
The initial symptoms that sufferers feel are pain and aching or numbness in the area where the animal bites or scratches. Then, gradually the symptoms can increase to:
- Feeling restless, anxious, and aggressive.
- Difficulty swallowing, especially water.
- Muscle twitches
- Drooling.
- convulsions.
- Paralysed.
- Coma to death.
The process of changing these symptoms until the body is no longer functioning can take a long time, from several weeks to several months. Symptoms will develop more rapidly if the bite or scratch is on the face.
What Should Parents Do If a Child Gets Bitten by an Animal?
If a child has been attacked by a wild animal through a bite or scratch, the first aid parents can do is clean the wound with running water and soap. Parents need to immediately contact the pediatrician to check whether there is a danger of rabies.
Then, if possible, safely capture the animal for a rabies check at the vet. Parents should note that this is only possible if the appropriate tools and skills are available. If the animal is a pet, the doctor may have a parent monitor the animal for signs of rabies.
At the pediatrician, the child will undergo an examination. If there is a risk of infection with the rabies virus, there are several tests that the doctor will do on blood, saliva, skin. Your pediatrician will examine your child. If rabies is suspected, several tests will be done on the child's saliva, blood, skin, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Ways to Prevent Rabies Infection
While prompt management of animal bites can control rabies infection before it spreads to the brain and causes serious symptoms, it is even more important to know how to prevent rabies before it is too late. Here are the ways parents need to know:
1. Rabies vaccine in children
Fortunately, there is a rabies vaccine that doctors can give children. If bitten by a wild animal, the child gets an injection of rabies immunoglobulin as well as four doses of rabies vaccine. Rabies immunoglobulin is a type of drug that contains antibodies to fight the virus and the doctor will inject it into the bite area. For vaccines, the injection site is the arm or leg.
After the vaccine, the child's body will be stimulated to form antibodies so they can fight rabies infection. The doctor will give the second dose of vaccine after three days, the third vaccine in seven days, and the fourth vaccine after two weeks.
2. Teach children not to approach wild animals
To prevent children from being bitten by animals, parents can also teach children not to approach wild animals that they find on the streets. Children should also not disturb animals that are standing still. To prevent wild animals from being in the home area, parents can ensure that household waste is completely covered in trash cans.
3. Give vaccines to pets
Rabies vaccine is not only available for humans, but also for animals. If the family plans to adopt a dog or cat that the child finds on the street, make sure the doctor inoculates the animal with the rabies vaccine first so it doesn't bring the virus into the house.
That's what parents need to know about the dangers of rabies in children, how to deal with it, and how to prevent the danger.