Harden Elkington
Rabies is a life-threatening virus that is spread from the saliva of infected animals. The rabies virus is usually passed through a bite.
Strays are the most common source of infection in developing nations. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks are among the animals that may transmit it in the United States.
In areas where rabies is common in bats, people may get the virus if they are bitten or scratched by a bat.
What happens when a human gets rabies?
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is usually two to three months but can range from one week to one year.
Early symptoms of rabies in humans include fever, headache, and general weakness. These are followed by behavioral changes, including anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness.
As the disease progresses, people may experience seizures, paralysis, and coma. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.
There is no cure for rabies once symptoms develop. However, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the disease if administered promptly.
PEP consists of a series of five injections of rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine. It is 95% effective if given before symptoms develop.
What are the long-term effects of rabies?
There is no long-term effect of rabies in humans who receive prompt PEP. However, people who develop rabies may experience long-term effects, such as paralysis, anxiety, and depression.
Rabies is a serious disease that can be prevented with prompt treatment. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
Seek medical attention immediately and tell the doctor about the exposure. If you have not been vaccinated against rabies, you will need to receive PEP.
Can you survive rabies without a vaccine?
Yes, you can survive rabies without a vaccine. However, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for survival.
Can rabies be spread before symptoms appear?
The rabies virus can be spread before symptoms appear. The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) is usually two to three months but can range from one week to one year.
During this time, the virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and can be passed to humans through a bite or scratch. Once symptoms develop, the virus is present in all body fluids and can be spread through saliva, tears, and urine.
Why do rabies victims fear water?
Rabies victims fear water because the virus can be spread through saliva, tears, and urine. In addition, some people may develop hydrophobia (fear of water) as a result of the disease.
Paralysis of the throat muscles can make it difficult to drink or swallow. Rabies patients may also become agitated and confused when near water.
What are the symptoms of rabies in animals?
The symptoms of rabies in animals depend on the stage of the disease. In the early stage, animals may appear normal or have mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
In the intermediate stage, animals may experience paralysis and seizures. In the terminal stage, animals may become aggressive and attack people or other animals.
They may also have difficulty swallowing and may drool excessively. Rabies is usually fatal once symptoms develop.
The best way to prevent rabies in animals is through vaccination. Animals should also be kept away from strays and other animals that may be infected.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. Animal control should be contacted to capture and test the animal for rabies.
Animals that can transmit the rabies virus:
The rabies virus can be spread by any mammal (an animal that nurses its young). The animals most likely to transmit the rabies infection to humans are:
- Bats
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Dogs
- Cats
- Monkeys
- Horses
- Livestock
Misconceptions about Rabies
There are a few misconceptions about rabies that need to be clarified.
- Rabies can only be transmitted through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
This is not true. The virus can also be spread through saliva, tears, and urine.
- People who have received the rabies vaccine cannot get the disease.
This is not true. The vaccine is approximately 98% effective, but it is still possible to get rabies if you are exposed to the virus.
- Rabies is a rare disease.
Rabies is not a rare disease. It occurs in more than 55 countries and results in tens of thousands of deaths each year.
- People who have rabies will die.
This is not true. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people who develop rabies can be successfully treated. However, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
- Rabies is only a problem in developing countries.
This is not true. Rabies occurs in more than 55 countries, including the United States. In the United States, there are approximately 2 to 3 cases of rabies each year.
- Related post: What Happens If Lyme Disease Is Not Treated?
- Related post: Have Too Many Red Blood Cells
Conclusion
Rabies is a serious, fatal disease that can be spread through saliva, tears, and urine. The best way to prevent rabies is through vaccination.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention. Animal control should be contacted to capture and test the animal for rabies.
Rabies is a problem in more than 55 countries and results in tens of thousands of deaths each year.
With early diagnosis and treatment, most people who develop rabies can be successfully treated. However, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
If you have any questions about rabies, please contact your local health department or veterinarian.
