"Children" are at risk of rabies infection... a disease not only caused by dogs

Rabies is a neurological infectious disease caused by the rabies virus (Rabies) transmitted from mammals to humans, such as dogs, cats, cows, bats, monkeys, rats, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Almost all infected individuals die, and currently, there is no cure. The virus spreads from animals to humans through contact with animal saliva via bites or scratches on wounds, or licking on mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.

“The outbreak of rabies in Thailand in 2018 resulted in many deaths, including the detection of rabies virus in deceased animals such as dogs, cows, and cats, with a higher rate than the previous year. Some of the dogs found to be infected with rabies were owned dogs that had previously been vaccinated.”

Symptoms of Rabies

The rabies virus has an incubation period ranging from weeks to several years. Therefore, patients may start showing symptoms from 1 week up to several months or years after exposure. Patients will begin to have fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, body aches, loss of appetite, general discomfort, itching, or pain at the bite wound site.

• Nervous system symptoms – confusion, agitation, difficulty swallowing, restlessness, fear of water
• Cardiac symptoms – onset of heart failure, cardiac arrest, and eventual death
• What to do if bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal?

1. 1. Wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap multiple times, allowing water to flow over the wound for a long time, then apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine or alcohol.
   2. Remember the characteristics of the animal to find the owner and inquire about the history and risk of rabies.
   3. See a doctor immediately to receive rabies vaccination as soon as possible or consider immunoglobulin administration if the wound is torn or bleeding, including tetanus vaccination.
   4. Quarantine the biting animal for 10 days to observe symptoms. If the animal dies, report immediately to the local livestock authority.

“Children” Are at High Risk of Rabies Infection

People of all ages can contract rabies, but children are at higher risk than other age groups. This may be due to children’s developmental stages, curiosity, fondness for animals, and desire to touch or interact with them, increasing the chance of being bitten. They may also not inform their guardians and leave wounds untreated, leading to infection.

How Parents Can Protect Young Children from Rabies

• For infants or children who cannot walk yet, if there are pets at home, it is necessary to clearly separate areas by restricting the pets’ space. Allowing pets and children to mingle freely may cause danger, and young children cannot protect themselves if scratched, licked, or bitten by animals.
• As children grow, parents should talk to them about the dangers of animals. Children should not tease or provoke animals to anger, should not separate animals from each other, should not take food from animals while they are eating, and should avoid contact with stray or ownerless animals. Children must be instructed to immediately inform their guardians if scratched, licked, or bitten by an animal to clean the wound and monitor symptoms.

“Rabies” Prevention Is More Important Than Treatment

You do not have to wait to be bitten by an animal to get vaccinated against rabies. People of all genders and ages can receive the vaccine, especially high-risk groups such as those working with animals, pet owners, and children of all ages. The vaccine is given in 2 doses, one week apart. If bitten, doctors will consider booster vaccination based on vaccination history, the amount of virus exposure, and the wound location, which may result in fewer booster doses than those never vaccinated.

Not only humans need rabies vaccination. Families with pets should remember to take them for vaccination according to veterinary schedules and keep vaccination records well. Also, always observe your pet’s behavior. Regardless of age, avoid close contact with stray or ownerless animals to reduce the risk of rabies infection and report to relevant authorities.

Dr. Renuka Charaspongpisut
Pediatric Neurology Specialist
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital