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Rabies is a virus. Although rabies itself does not currently occur in Australia, another virus, called Australian bat lyssavirus, does occur in Australia and is treated the same way as rabies.
What Causes Rabies?
Rabies is a virus that is transmitted from infected animals to humans through a bite or scratch. Animals that are most likely to carry rabies vary throughout the world. In developed nations, wild animals carry rabies. In less developed nations, even domestic animals like dogs and cats can carry rabies. The Australian form of rabies, Australian bat lyssavirus, is carried by bats and flying foxes.
Is Rabies Serious?
Rabies is very serious and causes death in most people who develop symptoms. Because rabies is life-threatening, it's important to get treatment right away if you think your child has been bitten by an animal with rabies. Symptoms develop anywhere between 30 and 90 days after being scratched or bitten by an infected animal.
Can I Prevent Rabies?
The best way to prevent rabies is to avoid contact with wild or stray animals when traveling overseas.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Rabies?
The early symptoms of rabies include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and headache. Later signs include agitation, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations, excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing, insomnia, and paralysis.
How Do I Treat Rabies?
Rabies, including the Australian form of rabies, is treated by thorough cleansing of the wound, followed by a series of six injections of rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine over the course of one month. You can't treat rabies at home.
Should I Call the Doctor?
Always call the doctor if your child is bitten by a wild or stray animal when traveling overseas, or if she is bitten here in Australia by a bat or flying fox. Your doctor will decide on a course of treatment after he examines her.
What you need to know about rabies:
- Rabies is not present in Australia. However, Australian bat lyssavirus, a form of rabies found in bats and flying foxes is present in Australia.
- Rabies causes death in most people who develop symptoms.
- Rabies can be treated with a series of injections if reported in time.
Find more relevant articles and information about rabies:
- Learn more about viral infections
- Learn more about common childhood infections
- Learn more about fevers
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Monday, 18 January 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.