According to the National Food Agency, a case of animal rabies has been confirmed in the Martvili Municipality. The virus was detected in a stray dog that was being kept in isolation under suspicious status at the Kutaisi shelter. Laboratory testing conducted on April 14 (Protocol #2465) confirmed the presence of rabies.
In the outbreak site, the village of Bandza, a quarantine has been established, and containment measures have begun. Full disinfection was carried out, including at the animal shelter. Currently, mandatory vaccination of rabies-susceptible animals and strict health supervision are underway.
The National Food Agency urges all individuals who had contact with a stray dog in the village of Bandza (Martvili Municipality), specifically in the area surrounding the “Ori Nabiji” market, to immediately visit a medical facility for anti-rabies vaccination.
How to Recognize an Infected Animal
An infected animal is not always aggressive. Pay close attention to unusual behavioral changes:
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Radical Shift in Behavior: A calm animal may suddenly become aggressive or unusually bold.
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Physical Signs: Difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling (salivation), a drooping lower jaw, or a hoarse voice/bark.
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Unusual Appetite: The animal begins eating non-food items (stones, dirt, wood).
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Fear: Expressed fear of water (hydrophobia) and light (photophobia).
Why is Quarantine Necessary?
Quarantine is the only effective way to contain the spread of the disease. It involves:
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Movement Restrictions: To prevent an infected animal (which may not yet show symptoms) from carrying the virus outside the outbreak zone.
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Observation: Since the incubation period for rabies can be long, isolation allows for the timely detection of new cases.
What Should We Do if Bitten or Scratched?
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Immediate Washing: The wound must be washed for at least 15 minutes with running water and laundry soap (soap destroys the virus’s outer shell).
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Antiseptic: Treat the wound with alcohol or iodine.
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Prompt Medical Visit: Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal. The only salvation is immediate vaccination.
Is the Vaccine Safe?
Modern anti-rabies vaccines are safe and have virtually no side effects. It is important to note that today, immunization is administered in the deltoid muscle (shoulder), and the vaccination course involves a few simple procedures according to a specific schedule. It is a myth that rabies vaccination requires 40 injections in the abdominal area.
For additional questions, please contact the National Food Agency hotline or visit your nearest medical center.
