Be alert to rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that is fatal but preventable.

 

Once infected, you will develop hydrophobia, as well as an aversion to light or wind. It’s necessary for everyone to take preventative measures against rabies. 

 

 

You should seek medical treatment immediately.

 

Rinse the wound with running water and soapy water, if you cannot get medical help immediately, and go to the hospital as soon as possible.

 

The wound caused by your pets should be taken seriously too, as they may also carry the rabies virus.

 

If you have not been vaccinated against rabies, you should receive the vaccination immediately (including pregnant or breastfeeding women).

 

 

After being scratched or bitten by an animal that may carry rabies, you should receive the vaccination immediately, a dose of rabies immunoglobulin can be administered as well if necessary.

 

If you have direct contact with bats, you will need the rabies vaccination and a dose of rabies immunoglobulin.  

 

If you are engaged in livestock slaughtering, field work, pets care and related fields, it is better to get the rabies vaccination.

 

 

Dogs are the main infectious source of rabies in China, accounting for more than 95 percent of infections, followed by cats.

 

The risk of rabies virus transmission through wild carnivorous mammals is high, and weasels, badgers, foxes, raccoon dogs and wolves are key sources of infection in China.

 

Bats are high-risk animals that transmit rabies.

 

The risk of transmission through bites by domestic animals such as cattle and rodents is low.

 

Birds, fish, insects, lizards, turtles, snakes and other animals do not carry and transmit the rabies virus.

 

 

The rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact (such as skin wounds or the mucous membrane in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva of an infected animal.

 

People usually get rabies from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. 

 

Infected animals can also spread the virus by licking the mucous of the mouth, perineum, anus, or through wounds that have not fully healed.

 

Slaughtering rabid animals can occasionally cause rabies infection.

 

Thoroughly cooked animal meat and pasteurized milk and dairy products will not transmit rabies virus.

 

Vaccinating pets will not only protect them from rabies infection, but also protect people around them.