Rabies remains one of the most serious and incurable infections, posing a direct threat to human life. Specialists from the Stolin District Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology urge residents to pay special attention to safety issues when in contact with animals and remind them of the vital need to seek medical attention promptly. Cases of rabies are registered annually in the Brest Region among wild and domestic animals. Wild carnivores—foxes, wolves, and raccoon dogs—pose the greatest danger, as they are natural reservoirs of the infection. However, the virus often spreads to domestic pets, especially if owners neglect proper care and miss scheduled vaccinations. What is anti-rabies care and when is it needed? Anti-rabies care is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of rabies in humans after contact with an infected or suspected animal. Rabies is a fatal disease for humans, and the only effective way to save a life is to promptly seek medical attention and complete a vaccination course. You must seek help in the following cases: • if bitten, scratched or salivated by any animal - wild, stray or domestic, even if it appears healthy; • if saliva comes into contact with damaged skin or mucous membranes; • if you come into contact with the carcass of an animal that died of rabies or is suspected of having this disease; First Aid Before seeking medical attention, you must properly treat the area of contact with the animal: 1. Wash the wound, scratches or salivated area thoroughly with running water and mild soap. 2. Treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide, the edges of the wound with an alcohol-containing antiseptic or 5% iodine tincture. 3. Apply a sterile bandage. It is strictly forbidden to independently excise the edges of the wound or apply stitches during the first three days - this can contribute to the spread of the virus. Safety Rules and Prevention To minimize the risk of infection, experts recommend: • Follow the rules for keeping pets. Take your pets to a veterinary institution annually for preventive vaccinations against rabies. • Avoid contact with stray and wild animals. Healthy wild animals usually avoid encounters with people; if an animal approaches people, this may be a sign of illness. • Do not pick up stray animals on the street without the opportunity to show them to a veterinarian and get them vaccinated. • If your pet exhibits unusual behavior or signs of illness, immediately contact a veterinarian. Remember: your life and the lives of your loved ones depend on promptly seeking anti-rabies care. If you have any contact with an animal that causes you concern, immediately seek medical attention.State Institution "Stolin District Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology"
