13 cases of animal rabies were recorded in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast this year: how to prevent the spread of the disease

In Dnipropetrovsk Region this year, 13 cases of animal rabies have been confirmed. In case of a bite by an infected animal, the only method to prevent infection is vaccination. There are sufficient vaccines in the region, as reported on the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration website.

"In the region, the last case of rabies among humans was in 2017. However, we register the disease every year among homeless, domestic, and wild animals. This year, 13 incidents of infection in dogs, cats, and cattle have been confirmed," said Galina Shamichkova, the head of the Department of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

What to do in case of a bite by an infected animal

A person can get infected with rabies from an infected animal through saliva. In case of a bite, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the wound under running water, preferably with soap. Then, treat the wound with a 5% iodine solution. Apply a sterile bandage and seek immediate help from a family doctor or a trauma center.

A course of preventive vaccinations will be prescribed. Timely immunization prevents the development of the disease in 96-99% of cases. Galina Shamichkova noted that there is an adequate supply of rabies vaccine in the region.

To prevent the widespread spread of rabies, it is necessary to vaccinate your pets every year. And carefully monitor their behavior.

Additional Information:
Rabies is an acute infectious disease in animals and humans caused by the neurotropic rabies virus. It is characterized by the development of inflammation of the brain with a rapid involvement of the central nervous system.

In case of untimely preventive vaccinations and a delay in providing medical and veterinary care, death for both humans and animals is inevitable. The reservoir and source of the rabies agent are wild and domestic predators.

The disease is transmitted through bites by an infected animal (90% of cases) or contact of its saliva with damaged skin or mucous membranes (10% of cases). Infected animals can be distinguished by aggression, increased salivation, fear of water, and light.