COMMUNICABLE & NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Communicable Diseases
BSN 2 Section B
SY 2022-2023

CI: LEONALYN BONACHITA, RN

Rabies

Brief Definition:
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease
that causes progressive and fatal
inflammation of the brain and
spinal cord that is mainly spread
by infected animals.
Rabies

Etiology: Mode of transmission:

Rabies virus (Lyssavirus), a
member of the Rhabdoviridae
family
Rabies virus is transmitted through
close contact with infected saliva via
bites or non-bite such as scratches,
abrasions, open wounds and mucous
membranes in the eyes, nose, or
mouth from a rabid animal.
Rabies
Incubation Period: Communicability Period:
The incubation period varies upon the The patient is communicable from
following factors: degree of the wound, 3 to 10 days before the onset of
where it is in relation to the nerve supply symptoms until the entire course
and how far it is from the brain, the of illness.
quantity and strain of the virus, and
specie of the animal. Usually 2 to 8 weeks
in humans. However, it can also belong
for a year depending on the severity of
the wounds and the resistance of the
host.
Rabies
Assessment:
Fever
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Hyperactivity
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive salivation
Fear brought on by attempts to drink fluids
because of difficulty swallowing water
Fear brought on by air blown on the face
Hallucinations
Insomnia
Partial paralysis
Rabies
Nursing Management:
Advise the patient to thoroughly wash the
wounds from the bite and scratches of the dog
with soap and running water for at least three
minutes.
Check the patient’s immunization status. Give
tetanus toxoid if needed.
Isolate the patient.
Give emotional and spiritual support.
Provide optimum comfort.
Darken the room and provide a quiet
environment.
Patients should not be bathed and there should
not be any running water in the room or within
the hearing distance of the patient.
Concurrent and terminal disinfection should be
carried out.
Medical Treatment:
The following are some medical treatments that
may be used for Rabies virus disease:
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) consists of
a dose of human rabies immune globulin
(HRIG).
Tetanus antiserum infiltrated around the
wound-or given intramuscularly after a
negative skin test.
Anti-rabies vaccine, both passive and active,
depending upon the site and extensiveness
of the bite as well as the health condition of
the biting animal.
Rabies
Prevention: Complication:
Be a responsible pet owner. Seizures
Have your pet dog immunized by a veterinarian Fasciculations
against rabies at 3 months old and every year Psychosis
thereafter. Aphasia
Never allow your pet dog to roam the streets. Autonomic instability
Take care of your pet dog: bathe it; give it clean Paralysis
food; and provide clean sleeping quarters. Coma
Death
As an individual.
Get yourself a pre-exposure anti-rabies vaccine,
especially if you have a high-risk occupation.
Providing public education, especially among
children, in avoiding and reporting all animals
that appear sick.
 Thank you!

KIANNA AMOR S. BALAGULAN

RIO MARIE L. CID
BSN 2B - REPORTERS