Rabies

What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. It attacks the central nervous system.

The Reality: Once symptoms appear, Rabies is nearly 100% fatal. Prevention immediately after a bite is the only cure.

Symptoms

The first symptoms are flu-like (fever, headache). As the virus travels to the brain, specific signs appear:

• Hydrophobia (Fear of Water): Painful throat spasms when trying to swallow liquid cause a panic reaction to water.
• Agitation & Anxiety: Confusion, hyperactivity, and hallucinations.
• Excessive Salivation: "Foaming at the mouth."
• Insomnia & Partial Paralysis.

⚠️ EMERGENCY ACTION REQUIRED
If you are bitten by a wild animal or a stray dog:

1. Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes.
2. Seek medical care instantly. Do not wait for symptoms.
3. Start PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) if recommended by a doctor.

Transmission: Which Animals?

Any mammal can transmit rabies, but some are high-risk vectors.

In the United States

• Bats: The #1 cause of human rabies in the US. Their bites are tiny and often go unnoticed during sleep.
• Raccoons, Skunks, Foxes, and Coyotes.

International (Asia/Africa)

• Stray Dogs: Responsible for 99% of human rabies deaths worldwide.

Complications

If left untreated until symptoms start, the virus causes:

• Encephalitis: Severe inflammation of the brain.
• Coma: Eventually leading to death from respiratory failure.

Diagnosis

In animals, diagnosis is done by testing brain tissue after death. In humans, doctors rely on the history of the bite. By the time the virus shows up in human saliva or skin tests, it is usually too late to save the patient.

Treatment: The "Rabies Shot"

There is no cure once symptoms start. Treatment is entirely preventative (PEP) given immediately after exposure:

1. Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG)

A fast-acting shot injected directly into the wound to neutralize the virus instantly.

2. Rabies Vaccine

A series of 4 injections given in the arm over 14 days (Days 0, 3, 7, and 14). This teaches your body to destroy the virus before it reaches the brain.

Prevention

• Vaccinate Pets: Keep dogs, cats, and ferrets up to date on rabies shots.
• Avoid Wildlife: Do not touch wild animals, even if they seem friendly or sick.
• Bat Awareness: If you wake up with a bat in your room, assume you were bitten (marks are invisible) and seek help.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.