Rabies is a deadly virus that is spread through the saliva of animals infected with the disease. The rabies virus affects the tissues of the nervous system. Once symptoms start to manifest, rabies is 100 percent fatal. There are some diseases that mimic the symptoms of rabies. These diseases often affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves of the body. Clinicians must be able to differentiate these diseases from rabies.
La Crosse Encephalitis
La Crosse encephalitis is a disease spread through a specific mosquito, the Aedes triseriatus. This disease most often occurs in the midwestern states of the United States, reports the Centers for Disease Control. A Bunyavirus is responsible for La Crosse encephalitis. The virus infects the tissues of the brain and causes numerous neurological symptoms that can mimic a rabies infection. The infection begins with a fever, headache, fatigue and nausea. As the disease progresses, patients will develop seizures, coma and paralysis. There is no cure for this disease, but fortunately patients typically recover. Only 1 percent of all cases of La Crosse encephalitis end in the death of the patient.
Transverse Myelitis
Inflammation and damage to the tissues of the spinal cord causes a disease called transverse myelitis, according to MayoClinic.com. The disease often occurs after a severe viral infection, and is caused by the cells of the immune system attacking the coverings of the nerves within the spinal cord. Patients will often develop pain, muscle weakness, abnormal sensation, fever and muscle spasms. Due to these neurological symptoms, transverse myelitis can be misdiagnosed as rabies. With proper treatment and physical therapy, patients suffering from this disease can experience partial recovery.
Western Equine Encephalitis
Western equine encephalitis, or WEE, is a viral disease that can infect humans as well as horses. The disease is most commonly found in the western states, such as California. The viruses can be found in various mosquitoes and spreads when an infected insect bites a human. Cases are usually seen in June or July and present as sudden fever, headache, vomiting and malaise, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms will be followed by an alteration in mental status, weakness and stiff neck. The disease can be confused with the initial stages of a rabies infection. WEE is only fatal in 3 percent of cases.
West Nile Virus
Mosquitoes can carry a flavivirus that is responsible for causing severe encephalitis or meningitis. This flavivirus is called the West Nile Virus. The virus usually causes mild, transient symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, fever, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches and nausea, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. These symptoms are not reminiscent of rabies. However, as the disease progresses, the patient will develop confusion, loss of consciousness and muscle weakness, which can easily be confused with a severe rabies infection.
