Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by a neurotropic virus known as rabies virus. It typically infects domestic and wild animals before potentially spreading to humans through contact with infected animals, their saliva, or if these animals bite or scratch humans.
The prevalence of this disease has increased in our country. According to estimates, approximately 20 thousand people succumb to such diseases annually. Recently, an imam in Chattogram City died from rabies, triggering widespread shock and confusion among the local population.
To prevent rabies, there is no alternative to raising public awareness. Medical scientists assert that humans get this disease primarily through bites from infected animals such as dogs, foxes, cats, monkeys, and bats. Notably, in our country, 95 per cent of rabies cases are caused by dog bites.
Symptoms of rabies typically manifest between 9 to 90 days after a suspected animal bite. A preventive measure against this disease is vaccination. While various vaccines have been developed, the safest one is the human diploid cell vaccine. Receiving this vaccination after exposure is termed post-exposure prophylaxis.
When rabies symptoms appear in a person, two types of behaviour may be observed: frenzied or silent. Abnormal behaviour is noticed in speech and expression. Additionally, individuals suffering from rabies may experience symptoms such as paralysis, numbness, and weakness at the wound site. As the nerves and muscles controlling breathing weaken, affected individuals may also exhibit shortness of breath.
Therefore, it is crucial to undergo proper vaccination before contracting the disease. It is better to consult a doctor and take proper precautions.
Touhid-Ul Bari
A conscientious citizen
Dhaka
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