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VIVA – Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system, including the brain. Therefore, this virus can cause death or serious illness.
This is according to dr. Robert Sinto. He said that deaths from rabies can reach 100 percent, "Almost 95 to 100 percent die from rabies," he said on tvOne's Healthy Living program on Monday.
Furthermore, Sinto explained that the rabies virus can attack the nerves and even cause inflammation of the brain. It can cause a person to lose consciousness and even die.
"Because it attacks the nerves, it will cause paralysis of the nerves, will spread to the brain, and cause inflammation of the brain, so there will be a decrease in consciousness, and difficulty breathing. But initially, there will be fever, weakness, muscle weakness, and then the dog will salivate a lot, almost like a dog with rabies."
Therefore, it is important to prevent those affected by animal bites from becoming infected with rabies. One way to do this is by administering the rabies vaccine.
Ilustrasi pemeriksaan rabies
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According to him, rabies vaccines are not only given to animals but also to humans.
"Not only for animals but also humans. But it's equally important because prevention involves not only health but also the animals," he said.
Sinto explained rabies vaccination in humans can be given before or after a bite.
"We have the opportunity to give vaccines to prevent patients from getting rabies. The time is as soon as possible because if you have rabies, the consequences will be fatal,"
Meanwhile, he also gave guidance on what the public should do if a family member or close relative is bitten by a rabid animal, such as a dog.
"Based on reports, the rabies virus can survive in the wound for up to two weeks if not cleaned. If a dog bite transmits rabies, clean it with running water, then disinfect it with running water for 15 minutes intensively. After cleaning the wound, go to the health service and they will assess whether an anti-rabies vaccine or serum is needed," he explained.
