Rabies
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for concerning rabies.
What is rabies?
Rabies, also known as hydrophobia, is a preventable viral disease. It is often transmitted through the bite of an animal infected with rabies. The vast majority of rabies cases reported come from wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Rabies can be prevented if you get vaccinated quickly after being bitten. Rabies may become serious once symptoms begin to appear.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
- After exposure to rabies, the rabies virus travels to the brain before any symptoms appear. The initial symptoms of rabies might resemble the flu:
- Weakness
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
Diarrhea
- Additionally, the initial symptoms of rabies include:
Fever accompanied by unusual, unexplained pain, tingling, or burning at the site of the wound.
What causes rabies?
People usually get rabies after a deep bite or scratch from an animal infected with rabies.
How is rabies diagnosed?
- A doctor will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Blood tests.
- Saliva test.
- Skin biopsy.
- Cerebrospinal fluid test.
Brain MRI.
How is rabies treated?
- There is no approved treatment for rabies once symptoms appear. However, if you have been bitten by an animal infected with rabies or have come in contact with an infected person, contact healthcare services or emergency services as soon as possible. Additionally:
- Clean the wound gently but carefully with soap and water. Seek additional instructions on wound cleaning from healthcare providers.
- The rabies vaccine: Your healthcare provider will give you four doses over 14 days. If you have already been vaccinated before exposure, you will only need two doses.
Your doctor will provide you with treatment around the wound, giving you antibodies that destroy the virus near the wound until your body takes over.
How can rabies be prevented?
- You can prevent rabies by keeping your pets safe and staying as far away from wild animals as possible. If you get bitten, you can receive a vaccine to prevent rabies before symptoms start.
- Ensure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date, including dogs, cats, and rodents.
- Do not let your pets roam freely without supervision.
Do not touch infected animals or attempt to capture animals yourself.
What are the complications of rabies?
One of the most dangerous complications of rabies is the spread of the virus to the central nervous system, where inflammation develops that may lead to severe brain complications and death, God forbid.
When should you see a doctor?
- You should seek medical attention immediately after being bitten or scratched. Contact healthcare providers as soon as possible in the following scenarios:
- If you were bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
- If you were bitten or scratched by any animal you believe could be infected with rabies.
- Finding a bat in a room with a sleeping person.
You have reason to believe you have been exposed to rabies in any form.
Be prepared to answer some questions about how you were infected, the type of animal that infected you, and whether you can monitor the animal for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are all dogs infected with rabies?
Dogs commonly get rabies in developing areas of Asia and Africa. In developed countries, including the United States, Canada, and Western European countries, rabies is usually not present in domestic (pet) dogs.
Can cats get or transmit rabies?
