Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system, transmitted between animals and humans through saliva. Symptoms include fever, confusion, muscle spasms, and aggression. Vaccination is available for both animals and humans, and prompt treatment is necessary after exposure. Rabies is prevalent worldwide, but some countries have managed to remain rabies-free through strict monitoring and vaccination programs.
Rabies is an acute viral disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system of its victims. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it is transmitted between animals and humans, and different animal species appear to act as reservoirs for rabies. Rabies is also completely preventable through vaccination, and if caught early, the condition can be treated. However, once rabies symptoms emerge, the virus is usually fatal; few patients have survived an episode of anger, despite the doctors’ best efforts.
The word “rabies” comes directly from the Latin and means “anger,” a reference to the acute neurological symptoms of some cases of end-stage rabies. The virus is classified as a lyssavirus, in a group of viruses that tend to be rod- or bullet-shaped. Rabies is transmitted through saliva and typically occurs in animals or humans who have been bitten by a victim of the disease. Saliva enters the skin through the bite, allowing the virus to enter the body.
Once infected, rabies can remain dormant for several weeks or even months. However, once the virus emerges, the patient rapidly experiences an assortment of symptoms, including fever, depression, confusion, muscle spasms, extreme thirst, loss of muscle tone, salivation, and sensitivity to light and touch. Some victims become hydrophobic, which means they are afraid of water. As the virus progresses, it causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and neurological symptoms get progressively worse.
Patients in the final stages of rabies may experience violent seizures and an altered level of consciousness. Aggression is classically associated with anger, although it doesn’t appear in all cases. Most rabies treatment focuses on analgesia when symptoms become this severe, with the patient receiving pain relievers and muscle relaxants to improve the seizures and associated pain.
Many animals can be vaccinated for rabies and humans at risk of exposure can also be vaccinated. If vaccinated humans are bitten, however, they still need follow-up vaccines to ensure the virus doesn’t take hold and multiply. Someone who has never been vaccinated can still fight off the disease with a series of vaccinations after a bite. After any type of animal bite or puncture wound, it’s a great idea to rinse the wound site and see a doctor to determine whether or not you need follow-up treatment.
Most of the world suffers from rabies with varying degrees of severity, although some island nations have managed to remain rabies-free. The importation of animals into these regions is strictly controlled and many other countries have strict monitoring and vaccination programs to control the rabies problem.
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