Rabies can be fatal: Warning signs, treatment and how to prevent

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is mainly spread through the bites or scratches of infected animals. Although it is almost fatal once symptoms appear, it can be prevented if proper medical care is received soon after exposure.

What Are Rabies?

It is caused by the rabies virus, which attacks the central nervous system. According to the world health organization (WHO), rabies occurs in more than 150 countries and territories, with most human cases occurring in Asia and Africa.

The disease is preventable through vaccination, responsible animal care and prompt treatment after possible exposure.

How does Rabies Spread?

Rabies is usually transmitted when the saliva of infected animals enters in the body through any scratch, bite, broken skin or mucous membranes.

Dogs are the main source of human rabies infections globally, but ither mammals, including bats and some wild animals, can also carry the virus.

Not every animal bite means a person has been exposed to rabies. However, any potential risk exposure should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?

Rabies symptoms may take weeks or months to appear. The incubation period varies depending on factors such as location and severity of the exposure.

Early symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Weakness
• General discomfort
• Tingling, itching or unusual sensation around the bite

As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms can develop, including confusion, agitation and changes in brain function.

Because early symptoms can look like other illnesses, people should not wait for symptoms before seeking medical advice after a potentially risky exposure.

What should you do after an Animal Bite?

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal that may carry rabies, wash the wound immediately and seek medical attention. WHO recommends washing and flushing a possible rabies exposure with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. A healthcare professional can then assess the exposure and decide whether additional treatment is needed.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Once symptoms develop, it is almost fatal.

What is rabies post exposure prophylaxis?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medical treatment given after possible rabies exposure. Depending on the situation, it can include wound care, it’s vaccine and  immunoglobulin or another recommended antibody treatment.

The treatment depends on the type of exposure and whether the person has previously received hydrophobia vaccination. A healthcare professional should determine the appropriate treatment and vaccination schedule.

How Can Rabies Be Prevented?

It’s prevention starts with controlling the disease in animals. Vaccinating dogs is one of the most effective way to reduce human infections.

People can also reduce their risk by:

• Keeping pets vaccinated
• Avoiding unfamiliar or wild animals
• Teaching children not to approach unknown animals
• Seeking medical advice after possible exposure
• Considering pre-exposure vaccination when recommended for people at increased risk.

WHO identifies mass dog vaccination as an effective way to prevent human dog bite infection deaths.

Wants to know more about this article READ

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies

Frequently asked Questions

Can rabies be prevented after a bite?

Yes, appropriate post exposure treatment can prevent it from developing when given promptly before symptoms appear.

How long does rabies take to show symptoms?

Symptoms can develop after weeks or months. The exact timing varies from person to person.

Is rabies curable?

Once clinical symptoms appear, this is nearly always fatal. However, appropriate treatment after exposure can prevent the disease from developing.

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