'The Healthy Juan:' Rabies 101

Rabies, the word probably brings to mind an image of an enraged animal with frothing at the mouth and an encounter with an infected animal, can result in life-threatening conditions.

According to the National Rabies Prevention and Control program of the Department of Health (DOH), over 200 to 300 rabies patients have died due to the virus, and almost half of them are composed of children.

Rabies, according to Dr. Ronald Quintana of DOH, is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system causing inflammation in the brain.

Adding, “Ang rabies ay nakukuha ng tao sa isang hayop katulad ng aso o pusa na nagtataglay ng rabies virus na maaaring maihawa sa tao sa pamamagitan ng exposure sa laway nito kapag ang tao ay nakagat o nakalmot.”

So what are the critical steps that you should do when you're bitten by a dog?

Firstly, Dr. Ronald Quintana suggests cleaning the infected area with clean water and soap in 10 minutes since the bite.

He also advises steering away from myths like putting vinegar or garlic in the infected area.

Adding, “Ang paglalagay ng mga ito ay hindi nakakabuti. Hindi ito nakagagaling o hindi nakamamatay ng rabies virus. Ito ay maaaring magpalala sa sugat.”

After cleansing, quickly proceed to the nearest health facility or animal bite treatment center for experts to assess the wound.

If a rabies virus is not treated properly, an infected person will display erratic behavior which may include symptoms like, confusion, agitations, hallucinations, excess salivation, and convulsions.

But do not fret because rabies is a preventable disease. By adopting simple measures such as getting rabies vaccinations, reporting stray animals to animal control, and avoiding contact with wild animals can help keep you from catching rabies.

For more information on the rabies virus, watch The Healthy Juan episode below:

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