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RESOURCE MANUAL
CONTENT
Introduction
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans.
It is caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. Rabies is almost always
fatal once clinical symptoms appear, but it is preventable through vaccination and proper wound
care. The Philippines reports hundreds of human rabies cases and deaths each year. On average,
there are approximately 200-300 reported deaths annually due to rabies, with most cases
occurring in rural and underserved areas where access to medical care and post-exposure
prophylaxis (PEP) is limited. The majority of human rabies cases result from dog bites,
accounting for about 99% of transmissions. Cats and other animals contribute to a smaller
percentage of cases. Rabies cases are reported throughout the country, but certain regions, such
as the CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas, tend to have higher
incidences of both human and animal rabies. Urban areas also report cases, but the problem is
more pronounced in rural and peri-urban settings where stray dog populations are higher, and
access to vaccination and PEP services may be limited.
Transmission of rabies
● Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites,
scratches, or open wounds. Common reservoirs include dogs, bats, rats, cats, and
other small mammals.
● Human-to-Human Transmission is Extremely rare but has been reported in cases of
organ transplants from infected donors. Rabies could theoretically be transmitted through
saliva if it comes into contact with open wounds, mucous membranes, or through deep
kissing if one of the individuals is symptomatic with rabies. However, no confirmed
cases of rabies transmission through these routes between humans have been reported.
Symptoms
● Incubation Period: Typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on
factors like the location of the bite, viral load, and host immunity.
● Initial Symptoms: Include fever, headache, weakness, and discomfort at the bite site.
● Advanced Symptoms: As the virus progresses, neurological symptoms appear, such as
anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and aerophobia
(fear of air).
● Fatal Outcome: Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, leading to coma
and death within days.
Diagnosis
Conclusion
Rabies is a preventable but deadly disease that requires coordinated efforts in vaccination,
education, and prompt medical intervention to reduce its impact. We should emphasize the
importance of vaccination, both for pets and at-risk individuals, and the need for immediate
medical care after any potential exposure to rabies.
References