Fitima Garcia, Biological Scientist with the Epidemiology Program for the Department of Health Monroe, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about communicable disease education.
Rabies is a communicable disease.
Garcia said, “Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and central nervous system and is commonly transmitted through bites of rabid animals, primarily through the saliva via bites or scratches. Common symptoms in animals include behavioral changes, aggression, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Then symptoms in humans include fever, headache, general weakness, progressing to more severe symptoms, like hallucination and paralysis.”
What types of animals most commonly have rabies transmission?
Garcia said, “That includes bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes in the wild and dogs and cats domestically. Small rodents are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans. For Monroe County, we have had zero cases of rabies.”
What are some prevention strategies for rabies?
Garcia said, “Some prevention strategies include vaccinating our pets against rabies, and we want to avoid attracting wild animals to our homes, so we should secure our garbage and pet food left outdoors. We should also avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets. So trying to feed the raccoons or pet the stray cat and they bite you, if rabies is ruled out, animal bites can also result in bacterial infection and trauma.”
What should a person do if they are bitten?
Garcia said, “It’s important to wash the wound immediately with soap and water, and then seek medical attention promptly to begin post exposure prophylaxis, if necessary. I say if necessary, because if animal control can locate the animal, generally the cat or dog and quarantine the animal for 10 days, there’s no risk of rabies. If they also can pick up the bat, or the raccoon, will do testing for rabies, so then you won’t have to continue with any vaccinations unnecessarily.”
Once symptoms appear, what can happen?
Garcia said, “Unfortunately, there’s no effective treatment for rabies once symptoms appear and the disease is almost always fatal. So it’s important to report the bite to your local health authorities. So then we can get you your series of vaccines that are highly effective if administered promptly for the rabies.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning is another preventable illness.
Garcia said, “Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled. It is produced by burning fuel in cars, trucks, engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces.”
Ventilation is important for garages and when using portable generators.
Garcia said, “Some symptoms include dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Oftentimes, people confuse these with flu like symptoms and may not recognize them as CO poisoning. It’s especially risky or potent when people are sleeping or intoxicated. Our vulnerable groups include the elderly, infants and those with chronic heart disease, anemia and respiratory problems.”
How can CO poisoning be avoided?
Garcia said, “It’s important to always install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and test it regularly. It is also advised to never use a portable flameless chemical heater indoors.”
Chickenpox is another communicable disease.
Garcia said, “Chickenpox is a common highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children. It is characterized by an itchy blister like rash, fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. The virus spreads through direct contact with the rash or through the air by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and people are normally contagious, one to two days before the rash appears until all blisters have formed scabs.”
Chickenpox can be more severe in adults.
Garcia said, “Also in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The common complications include bacterial infections of the skin, pneumonia and an inflammation of the brain.”
There is a chicken pox vaccine.
Garcia said, “Chicken pox vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease and its potential complications.”
For more information, click here: https://monroe.floridahealth.gov/index.html