Rabies: What You Need to Know About This Serious Disease
Rabies is a fatal disease that primarily affects the brain, causing encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. It is caused by a lyssavirus and is usually contracted through contact with an infected animal, often through a bite. While cases of rabies in domestic animals have significantly decreased due to vaccination campaigns, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes remain the main vectors of the virus in the United States. Globally, dogs are the primary source of human rabies deaths.
The disease progresses through two stages in humans. The early stage is characterized by general illness symptoms like fever, chills, muscle weakness, muscle pain, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. This can last up to a week before progressing to the full-blown disease, which includes confusion, paralysis, hallucinations, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and ultimately, death.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you have been bitten by an animal of unknown rabies status. Even if you are uncertain whether the animal has rabies or not, it is essential to receive medical care promptly. Treatment includes a prophylactic medicine called rabies hyperimmune globulin, which neutralizes the virus, and a rabies immunization or vaccination series. Starting the vaccinations early significantly reduces the risk of death from the disease.
In some cases, individuals may not be aware that they have been bitten by an animal. For instance, if there is a bat in the same room as you, it is crucial to capture the bat and have it analyzed for rabies. Public health departments can quickly determine if a bat is infected by examining its brain. However, it is important to note that this intervention is not always 100% successful and may be less effective in individuals with weakened immune systems.
While rabies is a serious disease, the average person does not regularly interact with animals that carry the virus. This means that the risk of contracting rabies on a daily basis is relatively low. However, individuals who have frequent contact with animals, such as veterinarians and animal control workers, can receive a pre-exposure rabies vaccination. Additionally, if you are traveling to a country with high levels of rabies, it is recommended to consider a pre-exposure vaccination to protect against potential exposure.
In summary, rabies is a fatal disease that affects the brain and is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals. Immediate medical attention is crucial after any interaction with an animal of unknown rabies status. While the risk of contracting rabies in daily life is generally low, certain individuals or travelers to high-risk areas may benefit from pre-exposure vaccinations. By taking appropriate precautions and seeking timely medical care, the risk of rabies can be minimized.
