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A B I E
FAST FACTS
DEFINITION:
An acute infectious disease of warm-blooded
animals characterized by involvement of the
nervous system resulting in death. It is caused by
the RABIES VIRUS, a rhabdovirus of the genus
lyssavirus.
RHABDOVIRUS:
any group of rod-shaped RNA
viruses with 1 important member, rabies
virus, pathogenic to man. The virus has
a predilection for tissue of mucussecreting glands and the Central Nervous
System.
All warm-blooded animals are
susceptible to infection with these
viruses.
LYSSAVIRUS:
Greek frenzy.
family Rhabdoviridae.
genus of the
MEDIA OF TRANSMISSION:
Through saliva, tears, urine, serum, liquor and other
body fluids.
INCUBATION PERIOD:
The period between the exposure to the virus to the
occurrence of the first symptom, is usually 2-8
weeks. It may be as short as 4 days or as long as
2 years depending on depth of laceration and site of
wound.
The virus moves along nerve axons
passively about 3 millimeters per hour.
It is not
known how the virus remains viable or where it is
located during prolonged incubation period.
susceptible.
DIAGNOSIS:
There is yet no way of immediately segregating those
who had acquired rabies infection from those who had been
bitten by non-rabid sources. No tests are available to diagnose
rabies in humans before the onset of clinical disease. The
most reliable test for rabies in patients who have clinical signs
of the disease is DIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENT STUDY of a
full thickness biopsy of the skin taken from the back of the
neck above the hair line.
The RAPID FLUORESCENT FOCUS INHIBITION TEST
is used to measure rabies-neutralizing antibodies in
serum.
This test has the advantage of providing
results within 24 hours. Other tests of antibodies
may take as long as 14 days.
I.EPIDEMIOLOGY
RABIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
II. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Sensory change on or
near the site of entry
Fever
Laryngeal spasm
Sense
of
apprehension, anxiety,
irritabilty
Headache
Delirium
Insomnia
Convulsions
Salivation or foaming
of the mouth
Acute attack: fever,
muscle
twitching,
hyperventilation
and
excess salivation
IV. MANAGEMENT
A. PREVENTION
1.
2.
Thoroughly clean ALL BITES AND SCRATCHES
made by any animal with strong medicinal soap or
solution.
3.
Responsible awareness. Report immediately
rabid or suggestive of rabies domestic or wild
animals to proper authorities (local government
clinic, veterinarians or community officials).
4.
Pre-exposure
to
high
risk
individuals.
Veterinarians, hunters, people in contact with
animals (zoo), butchers, lab-staff in contact with
rabies, forest rangers/caretakers.
5.
*see DOH- Revised Guidelines on Management of Animal Bite Patients2007 for more complete guide
B. MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
and
anti-tetanus
as
prescribed
by
C. NURSING INTERVENTIONS
1. HIGH RISK FOR INFECTION TRANSMISSION
provide patient isolation
handwashing. Wash hands before and after each
patient contact and following procedures that
offer contamination risk while caring for an
individual patient. Handwashing technique is
important in reducing transient flora on outer
epidermal layers of skin.
Wear gloves when handling fluids and other
potential contaminated articles. Dispose of
every after patient care. Gloves provide effective
barrier protection. Contaminated gloves
becomes a potential vehicle for the transfer of
organisms.
Practice isolation techniques. To prevent selfcontamination and spread of disease.
2. KNOWLEDGE DEFICIT (about the disease, cause of
infection and preventive measures)
assess patients and familys level of knowledge
on the disease including concepts, beliefs and
known treatment.
Provide pertinent data about the disease:
a. organism and route of transmission
b. treatment goals and process
c. community resources if necessary
allow
opportunities
for
questions
and
discussions
CATEGORY II
a. Nibbling/ nipping of uncovered skin with bruising
b. Minor scratches/ abrasions without bleeding**
c. Licks on broken skin
**includes wounds that are induced to bleed
Management:
Management: