Though the number of animals infected with rabies in 2016 was lower than a year before, the human and veterinary medicine services continue to be alarmed given that the number of districts where rabies is detected remains high. According to the National Public Health Center, cases of rabies in 2016 were recorded in 34 territorial-administrative units, IPN reports.

Most of the cases of rabies were reported in the districts of Slobozia, Edinet, Donduseni, Criuleni, Briceni and in Balti municipality. According to specialists, foxes remain the main source of infection. Though the number of rabid foxes fell from 30 to 12 since 2015, foxes continue to play the role of virus carriers. The infection is later spread through domestic animals. Real possibilities thus appear for passing the disease to humans.

Rabies in humans can be prevented by early detection and prophylaxis. The persons bitten by rabid animals are swiftly vaccinated. When clinical signs of disease appear, the patient can no longer be saved.

Specialists warn against catching foxes, martens, polecats and other prey animals by traps because these are the main sources of rabies. The owners of pets must make sure that their cats and dogs are annually immunized against rabies. A veterinarian should be seen immediately if these become sick.

In case of bites, the wound should be immediately washed with soap under running water and cleansed with iodine tincture. Such measures help remove 50%-70% of the virus from the wound.