All You Need To Know About Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that has long captured the attention of all individuals. Despite there being major advances in science, rabies still remains a public concern for all.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection that is caused by the rabies virus, which is from the Lyssavirus genus. This disease affects mammals, including human beings, and is transmitted through the saliva of the infected animal, through bites or scratches. Once the virus enters through the body, it travels along the nerves of the central nervous system, where it causes inflammation of the brain. Rabies has an incubation period that ranges from weeks to months depending upon the severity of the bite. Some of the early symptoms of this health concern are paralysis, dizziness, fever, weakness, etc. however, it is highly preventable through vaccines and prompt post-exposure care.

How Is Rabies Transmitted?

Rabies spreads through the saliva of the infected animals. The most common way people get infected with rabies is from the saliva of the infected animal. However, it should be noted that saliva from an infected animal gets into a scratch, an open wound, or touches sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth. Dogs are the main source of rabies in human beings, especially in areas where many dogs are not vaccinated. Wild animals like foxes, bats, etc., and carry out and spread the virus. It is important to avoid touching animals that are acting aggressively or strangely, as it might be a sign of rabies. If you think you have been exposed to the virus, wash the wound with soap and water. Quick treatment can stop the virus from spreading and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Rabies symptoms usually appear after weeks and months of exposure, depending on the location of the bite and the virus that has entered the body. This disease progresses in 2 stages. Early symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, and discomfort accompanied by pain and itching at the bite location. As the virus spreads in the nervous system, it becomes more severe and intense and is classified under furious and paralytic rabies. In furious rabies there is hyperactivity, confusion, and aggression. People also develop fear of water (hydrophobia), fear of air drafts (aerophobia), excessive salivation, and agitation.

Diagnosing rabies is quite a challenging task, as its symptoms are quite similar to other neurological symptoms. Tests such as saliva samples and skin biopsies are used to confirm the diagnosis. After death, brain tissues give definitive results. Once contracted, rabies is actually fatal. The first step after exposure is wound care. Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15-20 minutes. You should also apply iodine on the wound. One of the best ways to prevent rabies is through rabies vaccine shots over two weeks to prevent the virus. For individuals who haven’t been previously vaccinated against rabies, it is administered into the body. The right medical care ensures that there is no preventing of the virus and proper care is given.

Some Myths About Rabies

Myth 1: Only dogs can carry this virus.

Though, it should be noted that all types of mammals can carry and transmit this virus.

Myth 2: Rabies can be cured once symptoms appear.

Rabies is a fatal disease once symptoms appear, and this is why prevention is crucial.

Myth 3: If the wound is small, there is no risk of rabies.

Even minor scratches and wounds from an infected animal can lead to rabies.

Though rabies is a terrifying disease, it is easily preventable through vaccinations. The disease serves as a reminder of the importance of pet ownership and wildlife conservation.

admin

All Author Posts