The disturbing news comes straight from the hospital in Førde. On May 3, a woman infected with rabies died there, reported the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet). This is the first case of infection in 200 years. The deceased was a young woman in her 20s and lived in Sogn og Fjordane. Is there anything to be afraid of? What do we really know about rabies? Why was it dead?
Fatal rabies virus infection
Officials show that the aforementioned Norwegian woman contracted the virus during her stay in Asia - visiting the south-eastern part of this fascinating, but still full of dangers, region. As soon as the first symptoms of infection appeared, the Norwegian woman was sent to the emergency department. Despite the efforts of doctors and all medical care, the woman died. It is the first fatal case of rabies in 200 years. The rest of the participants in the trip to Asia were tested.
A case of rabies in Norway./Picture by PixbayRabies - symptoms
Although rabies has appeared very rarely recently, it is worth knowing its symptoms so that you can react quickly in case of any suspicions.
The symptoms of rabies in humans are:
- sleep disturbances - insomnia or excessive sleepiness,
- strong weakening of the body, on the other hand, stimulation of the body,
- low fever
- hydrophobia,
- seizures
- excessive reaction to phenomena such as wind blow.
Rabies - the main types:
- urban,
- forest.
Forest rabies predominates in Europe and America. Mainly transmitted by foxes. But not only that. The virus can also be transmitted by: raccoon dogs, martens, weasels, wild boars and bats. We deal with urban rabies (which the aforementioned Norwegian woman fell ill with), especially in the countries of Asia, in the countries of the Far East. This is where dogs and cats and monkeys are the reservoir of disease.
How to protect yourself from rabies virus infection?
- avoiding contact with wild animals,
- do not touch the animals found - provide information about the animal to the city guard, police, appropriate authorities. In the event of a bite, rinse the wound and consult a doctor.
- vaccinate your pets (dogs and cats).