Colombo, August 15 – The lack of knowledge about rabies and the rising number of incidents involving bites from animals other than dogs have resulted in an increase in human deaths, according to Consultant Community Physician Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Dr. Liyanapathirana emphasized that health authorities are now considering the rabies situation a serious health and social concern.
Currently, nearly 300 government hospitals are offering free anti-rabies vaccinations, even if the bite occurred up to three months ago.
So far this year, 11 people have died from rabies infections.
Dr. Liyanapathirana explained that rabies can be transmitted through bites from rabid animals, saliva entering an existing wound, or the virus being absorbed through mucous membranes in areas such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. Symptoms typically manifest between three weeks and three months after exposure.
In addition to dogs, rabies can also be transmitted through bites from animals such as cats, mongooses, foxes, squirrels, greater bandicoot rats, monkeys, civets, cows, and snakes.
0 Comments