RABIESAisa Alyanna Habib

What is Rabies?Rabies (from Latin: rabies,

“madness, rage, fury”) is a viral zoonotic neuroinvasive disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in warm-blooded animals. It is also known as Hydrophobia or Lyssa.

Etiologic AgentRhabdovirus of the genus lyssavirus

Mode of TransmissionUsually by bites of a

rabid animal whose saliva has the virus. The virus may also be introduced into a scratch or in fresh breaks in the skin. Transmission from man to man is possible.

Disease ProcessThe virus travels from the site of entry via the

peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and brain. It then multiplies and travels from the CNS through the efferent nerves to many body tissues, including the salivary glands, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, corneal cells, and skin. It causes vessel engorgement, edema, and punctate hemorrhages in the meninges and the brain, and diffuse degenerative changes occur in the neurons of the brain and spinal cord. Negri bodies may be formed in the hippocampus or neurons in the cerebellum, cortex, and spinal cord.

Incubation PeriodThe usual incubation period is 2

to 8 weeks. It can be as long as a year or several years depending on the severity of the wounds, site of the wound and distance from the brain, amount of virus introduced and protection provided by clothing.

Clinical Manifestations

Early s/sx:Fever Headache General tiredness Discomfort, numbness, or pain

at the site of the bite

Progressive s/sx:

Insomnia Anxiety Confusion Slight or partial

paralysis Excitation Hallucinations

Agitation Hypersalivation Difficulty

swallowing Hydrophobia

(fear of water)

Medical Management1. Thoroughly wash the wounds with soap and

running water for at least three minutes. Antiseptics such as povidone iodine or alcohol may be applied.

 

2. The patient may be given antibiotics and anti-tetanus immunization.

 

3. Post-exposure treatment is given to persons who are exposed to rabies. It consists of local wound treatment, active immunization(vaccination) and passive immunization (rabies immunoglobulin).

Nursing Management1. Isolate the patient.2. Give emotional and spiritual

support.3. Provide optimum comfort.4. Darken the room and provide a

quiet environment.

5. Patient should not be bathed and there should not be any running water in the room or within the hearing distance of the patient.

6. If IV fluid has to be given it should be wrapped and needle should be securely anchored in the vein to avoid dislodging in times of restlessness.

 7. Concurrent and terminal disinfection should be carried out.

THANK YOU!