Rabies problem in W. Sumatra

Rabies problem in W. Sumatra

PADANG, West Sumatra: A veterinarian expressed concern over
the high rate of rabies in the province, and called for better
public education on the issue.

Rusman Abbas said if the public learns more about rabies
contracted from dog bites, people would be more likely to use the
proper rabies treatments, antirabies vaccination (VAR) and
antirabies serum (SAR).

Rusman, chief of the province's animal husbandry office, said
patients who were bitten on their feet were usually treated with
vaccination, while those bitten from their arms to their neck
were treated with both the vaccination and serum.

The virus does not spread as quickly through the nervous
system from a bite in the foot as it does from an upper-body
bite.

Of the 1,555 rabies patients this year, 895 were vaccinated
while 21 required both the serum and vaccination. The other 584
people bitten by dogs did not suffer rabies and were just given a
topical skin antiseptic called Betadine, he said.

Rusman said 10 patients died from rabies this year because
they did not seek medical treatment at the public health centers,
or because vaccines or serum were in short supply. Treatment
costs Rp 165,000 per injection, and patients usually need four
consultations to kill the virus.

Dogs are popular companions in West Sumatra for hunting wild
boar. (32/01)