Woman in acute stage of Rabies

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Meanbean2013

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Rabies is a serious, vaccine-preventable viral disease that primarily affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It's almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects of rabies:
What it is:
* A viral disease that attacks the brain and nerves.
* Zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
* Present on all continents except Antarctica.
How it's transmitted:
* Mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites or scratches.
* Can also spread if infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth).
* In up to 99% of human cases, dogs are responsible for transmission globally. In the U.S., bats are the leading cause of human rabies deaths, followed by other wild animals like raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Symptoms:
* Incubation period: Can vary from days to over a year, but typically 3-8 weeks. The time depends on the bite location (closer to the brain means faster onset), severity of exposure, and the patient's age and vaccination status.
* Early symptoms (prodrome): May resemble the flu, including weakness, discomfort, fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness. There might also be a tingling, prickling, or itching sensation at the bite site.
* Neurological symptoms (as the disease progresses): Irritability, aggressiveness, excessive movements or agitation, confusion, bizarre thoughts or hallucinations, muscle spasms, unusual postures, seizures, weakness or paralysis, and extreme sensitivity to light, sounds, or touch.
* Classic signs: Increased saliva production, and muscle spasms in the throat that make swallowing difficult, leading to a "foaming at the mouth" effect and hydrophobia (fear of water).
Prevention:
* Vaccinate pets: Keep dogs and cats up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations as required by law.
* Avoid wild animals: Do not approach, feed, or handle wild animals, even if they appear friendly or sick. Contact animal control if you see a sick or injured wild animal.
* Control pets: Do not allow pets to roam unsupervised, as this increases their risk of exposure.
* Secure property: Make your property unattractive to wild animals by capping chimneys, sealing openings, feeding pets indoors, and keeping trash cans tightly closed.
* Pre-exposure vaccination: People at increased risk of exposure (e.g., travelers to high-risk areas, veterinarians, wildlife workers) may consider pre-exposure vaccination.
* Travel precautions: If traveling internationally, especially to Africa, Asia, or parts of Central and South America where dog rabies is prevalent, be aware of the risk and consult a doctor or travel clinic beforehand.
Treatment (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis - PEP):
* Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
* However, rabies is preventable if prompt medical care, known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), is received before symptoms start.
* Immediate action after exposure:
* Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
* Seek medical attention immediately.
* PEP typically involves:
* Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG): A fast-acting shot given near the bite site (if possible) to provide immediate antibodies, especially if the person has not been previously vaccinated.
* Rabies Vaccine: A series of injections (typically four over 14 days for unvaccinated individuals, or two over three days for previously vaccinated individuals) to help the body develop its own long-lasting immunity.
If you suspect you've been exposed to rabies, it's crucial to seek medical help without delay.

Categories: Bad Day Health & Food Nature & Animals

Tags: rabies hydrophobia dog bite on my leg foamy