Rabies

Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites or scratches. Dogs are the leading source of human rabies worldwide, though bats, raccoons, foxes, and cats can also carry the virus. Rabies is preventable through timely vaccination and prompt medical care after exposure.

Rabies Symptoms

Rabies symptoms usually develop weeks to months after exposure, depending on the site of infection and viral load. Early symptoms are often nonspecific and may resemble flu-like illness, followed by severe neurological manifestations.

• Fever, headache, and general weakness

• Pain, tingling, or itching at the bite site

• Anxiety, agitation, and confusion

• Difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation

• Fear of water due to painful throat spasms

• Hallucinations and abnormal behavior

• Partial paralysis progressing to coma

Rabies Causes

Rabies is caused by infection with the rabies virus, which enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes.

• Bites from infected animals

• Scratches contaminated with infected saliva

• Saliva entering open wounds, eyes, mouth, or nose

• Rarely, inhalation of virus in bat-infested caves

• Very rare transmission through organ transplantation

Rabies Risk Factors

Certain situations and behaviors increase the risk of rabies exposure.

• Living in or traveling to areas with high rabies prevalence

• Frequent contact with animals, especially stray dogs or wildlife

• Occupations such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and laboratory workers

• Children, due to higher likelihood of animal bites

• Lack of access to prompt medical care after an animal bite

• Failure to vaccinate domestic pets

Rabies Complications

Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies leads to severe complications and is almost universally fatal.

• Progressive encephalitis affecting the brain

• Severe breathing difficulties

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Paralysis

• Coma and death

• Significant psychological distress for patients and families

Rabies Prevention

Rabies is preventable through vaccination and proper wound management.

• Vaccinating dogs and domestic animals

• Avoiding contact with stray or wild animals

• Immediate washing of animal bite wounds with soap and running water

• Seeking prompt medical care after any suspected exposure

• Receiving post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin

• Pre-exposure vaccination for high-risk individuals

• Educating communities about animal bite prevention and rabies awareness

Rabies remains a critical public health concern, but timely preventive measures can effectively eliminate the risk of disease when exposure is managed appropriately.