While many people enjoy outdoor activities in the summer, there are some serious threats to your survival that exist in the outdoors. There is a major threat that everyone should take seriously. That threat is contracting rabies. One of the worst situations you can encounter is an animal that is infected with the rabies virus. It is a silent killer that can have deadly consequences.
Rabies (also called hydrophobia) is a bullet-shaped virus which has deadly effects on the central nervous system of an animal. Exposure to rabies usually comes in the form of a bite from an infected animal and the virus is usually transferred in the saliva of the infected animal. Rabies is not transmitted through the blood stream. It travels through the nervous system to the brain and spinal cord with almost always deadly results for the infected animal unless they have been previously vaccinated.
“Rabies has the highest fatality rate of any infectious disease.”
Charles Rupprecht, VMD, PHD, CDC Rabies Program
Rabies Information
9.) Symptoms usually don’t become apparent until the virus has reached the brain and spinal cord of the infected animal. Death usually occurs within a few days.
10.) The rabies virus can be transmitted if a cut or open wound is exposed to the saliva of an infected animal.
The Signs of Rabies
1.) The symptoms of the “dumb” form of rabies is the one most people are familiar with and include such things as depression, weakness, paralysis and excess salivation.
2.) The more acute form of rabies, often referred to as the “furious” form is characterized by aggression, agitation, hyperactivity and paralysis of the face and tongue.
Avoiding Rabies
1.) Keep yearly vaccinations for your pets and animals (including horses) up to date.
CAUTION: Never try to catch an animal suspected of being infected. Call your local Animal Control Services and leave it to the professionals!
You can find additional information about rabies here:
*edit* You can read about Jenna Giese, the only known survivor of rabies without a vaccination:
Staying above the water line!
4 comments:
Remember that headline several years back about a girl (I believe) who actually survived having rabies?
First-ever documented survivor, if I'm not mistaken.
Always good to keep a firearm on your if you're out in the bush.
matthiasj
Kentucky Preppers Network
To: anonymous 9:58
Jeanna Giese was the young girl that survived. Another young child is still alive but is in an induced coma. I plan to edit my post and include a link to the story. Thanks for the reminder. Thanks. RW
To: matthiasj
Sometimes even little critters can be dangerous!Pistol or shotgun for varmints works in a rural setting but in an urban environment probably wouldn't be a good idea.
RW
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