World Rabies Day

RABIES: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. It is caused by lyssaviruses, which includes the rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus. Some of the known ways of spreading rabies are scratches or bites from an infected animal on human or other animals, and infected saliva’s contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), dogs are the most common animals infected with rabies globally. In countries where dogs commonly have the disease, majority (99%) of rabies cases are the direct result of dog bites. However in America, bat bite is the most common source of rabies infection in humans, and less than 5% of cases from dogs.

After a bite or other rabies exposure, the rabies virus has to travel through the body to the brain before symptoms can surface. This time between the exposure and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period. The incubation period may last for weeks to months depending on the distance between the bite wound and the brain, the type of rabies virus, and existing immunity.

The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu like general weakness, fever, or headache. Symptoms may also be discomfort or a prickling or itching sensation at the site of the bite, progressing within days to acute symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation. As the disease progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia. The acute period of disease typically ends after 2 to 10 days. Generally, by the time the symptoms appear, it is usually too late to save the patient.

Rabies is a serious disease, but individuals and governments can take actions to control and prevent the spread. These preventive strategies include: Regular ant rabies vaccinations for all pets and domestic animals; bans or restrictions on the importation of animals from infected countries; widespread vaccination of humans in high risk areas, and awareness creation.

Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal, and treatment is typically supportive. After exposure and before symptoms begin, a fast-acting dose of rabies immune globulin should be delivered as soon as possible, close to the bite wound to prevent the virus from infecting the individual. Also, rabies vaccine should be given to train the body to fight the virus whenever it is exposed.

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