Rabies or hydrophobia, is one of the worst disease known to man. The virus is carried in the saliva of an infected animal. After being introduced into the area of the wound, the virus passes along the nerves, and finally reaches the brain where it causes a type of encephalitis or madness.

Rabies may be transmitted either by biting or licking. However, the virus cannot pass through the unbroken skin. All kinds of animals may carry rabies, even deer, cows and cats. But the chief danger is from dogs. Bites o the head neck are particularly dangerous because of the closeness to the brain. Once rabies has fully developed, there is known cure.

What to Do:
If you have been bitten, do not destroy the dog. Keep him under observation, confined in some suitable place where other people will not be danger. Any animal with rabies soon becomes increasingly restless and excitable. It refuses to eat, and indulges in excessive barking and growling. If the animal is not restrained, it may bite other animals and human beings.

Thoroughly wash the area of the bite, using plenty of soap and water. Then apply some suitable dressing and go once to your doctor. He may advise the use of hyperimmune antiserum, particularly if the public health authorities think the animal is infected with rabies. The hyperimmune antiserum and the rabies vaccine are the only methods available that will protect the victim against this dreadful disease. They consist of a series of shots lasting over a period of weeks.