With the support of the World Health Organization (hereinafter referred to as WHO), on September 28th annually, at the initiative of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, World Rabies Day is observed to draw public attention to the problem of rabies spread and its consequences.
According to WHO expert assessments, this disease is registered in the territories of most countries worldwide and claims the lives of 55,000 people annually. Over 10 million people globally receive various injuries from animals each year, and more than 4 million people receive anti-rabies assistance.
Based on the results of 8 months of 2024, no cases of rabies among animals have been registered in the Lepel district.
During the analysed period of 2024, the number of individuals seeking healthcare for animal bites remained at the level of the corresponding period last year. A total of 43 people sought medical attention.
Among those who sought medical attention, 14 individuals (32.6%) were injured by stray animals, and 29 individuals (67.4%) were injured by domestic dogs and cats.
All individuals requiring it were prescribed a relevant course of vaccinations.
The registration of domestic animals is carried out by the housing and communal enterprises of KUPP "Borovka". 898 dogs and 602 cats have been registered and immunised.
Rabies is a dangerous disease. The only effective means of prevention is the timely provision of anti-rabies assistance to individuals who have had contact with an animal. However, the effectiveness of the measures taken directly depends on seeking medical help promptly (within 24 hours). Refusal of vaccination or voluntary interruption of the vaccination course can lead to tragic consequences.
Not only bites and scratches inflicted by a rabid or suspected rabid animal are dangerous to humans, but also salivation onto damaged skin and mucous membranes.
In cases where contact with an animal could not be avoided, specifically after a bite, scratch, or salivation, inflicted by any animal, even one that appears healthy, it is necessary to:
· Perform initial treatment of the contact site – thoroughly wash under running water with soap;
· If there is a wound – after washing with soap, treat the wound edges with a 5% iodine tincture;
· Apply
a sterile dressing and seek immediate medical attention.
Only a doctor (surgeon, traumatologist) can assess the risk
of possible rabies virus infection and, if necessary, prescribe a course
of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccination.
It is very
important, concurrently with seeking medical attention, to take measures
(if possible) regarding the animal – it must be isolated, and a veterinary
service specialist should be called for examination and observation arrangements.
Veterinary observation is established for outwardly healthy domestic animals
(dogs or cats), the duration of which is 10 days from the moment of contact,
as the period of infectivity in animals occurs 3-10 days before the onset of
clinical signs and lasts for the entire duration of the illness.
The vaccination
course, taking into account the results of observation of the domestic animal
(dog or cat), may be shortened by the doctor's decision if the animal remains
healthy during the observation period.
To prevent
rabies infection, all people who frequently come into contact with wild or
stray domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies at the polyclinic
at their place of residence. Rabies vaccination is necessary for hunters,
livestock farm workers, gamekeepers, dog breeders, veterinarians, etc.
How to protect yourself and your
children from rabies?
Practically anyone
is at risk of rabies infection, so you should know the basic rules, adherence
to which will help avoid rabies:
1. Do not approach or pet stray animals. An animal may be contagious even before the first signs of rabies appear, when it looks perfectly healthy. Even a small, harmless kitten can be a carrier of rabies.
2. Do not allow your children to approach stray animals. Explain that if a child is accidentally bitten or scratched by a stray animal, they must inform a parent as soon as possible.
3. If you have pets, be sure to vaccinate them against rabies.
4. Garbage around your home attracts wild and stray animals, which are potential carriers of rabies. Maintain cleanliness and keep outdoor bins closed.
5. Do not leave your pets unattended. They may be attacked by a sick animal.
6. Be sure to consult a veterinarian if your pet starts behaving unusually.
Your health is in your hands. Take care of yourself and
your loved ones!
Epidemiologist
N. Pobortseva