Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that it is passed from an animal to a human. The disease is caused by the rabies virus Rhabdoviridae lyssavirus. In the U.S. several different strains of this virus that can be found in different animals. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system. Once symptoms are present, the disease is fatal.
Symptoms
Rabies is a progressive disease. The initial symptoms include fever, headache, irritability, fatigue and itching at the site of contact. The disease then moves on to affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Later symptoms include throat spasms, convulsions, delirium, paralysis, seizures and death. The progression of symptoms is rapid, with death occurring after an average of 10 days, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
Transmission
In most cases, humans become infected with the rabies virus after being bitten or scratched by a rabid dog or cat. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons and skunks often carry the virus as well. The disease is transmitted only through infected saliva and cannot be passed on through blood, urine or feces. Person to person transmission is rare.
Risk Groups
Those who live in Africa or Asia are especially at risk, as rabies is still a common cause of death in these areas. The poor community is also at risk, since sometimes proper vaccination is not affordable. Children are an at-risk population as well, because they tend to play with animals more frequently than older adults and are less likely to report any biting or scratches, notes the World Health Organization. Those with constant exposure to animals, such as veterinarians, or those who are constantly outdoors also represent a higher risk group.
Treatment
Rabies can only be treated before the onset of symptoms. There is no effective treatment after symptoms appear. Immediately after a bite from a suspicious animal, the area should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Following this, the individual should seek medical treatment. A doctor will give a series of anti-rabies immunizations: a rabies immune globulin and usually five injections of rabies vaccine. If treatment is given immediately after exposure, the onset of symptoms can be prevented in nearly every case, reports the World Health Organization.
Prevention
The best way to prevent human rabies is by vaccinating domestic animals against the rabies virus. People should not keep exotic animals as pets and should avoid stray or wild animals. Those traveling to developing countries should get a pre-exposure rabies vaccine, advises the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
