Rabies, a highly fatal viral infection, is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, mostly through the bite of a stray dog, cat or bat. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease and death in the brain. Immediate treatment that includes a set of shots can help prevent the virus from turning into rabies. After being bitten by an infected stray dog or cat, the rabies virus has to travel to the brain before it can cause symptoms. The incubation period can last from weeks to months. However, once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. (Also Read | World Rabies Day: Can rabies be cured? Symptoms and stages of infection in humans)
A 21-year-old woman died of rabies after being bitten by a stray dog. She was a resident of Kolhapur in Maharashtra and died three days after completing the anti-rabies vaccination course. After the bite, the girl had taken all five doses of anti-rabies vaccine.
Can rabies treatment fail?
“Despite advances in medical research, rabies treatment can sometimes fail. In one such example, a 21-year-old woman did not respond well to rabies treatment. She was bitten by a dog, but soon after He received PEP, yet he ultimately contracted rabies and died from it. These events illustrate the importance of continued study and education about rabies prevention and treatment,” Dr. said Mohan Kumar Singh, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram.
What is rabies?
“Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost 100% fatal. In 99% of circumstances, domestic dogs can transmit the rabies virus to humans. Nevertheless, rabies can affect domestic and wild animals alike. It is spread to people and animals through saliva, usually through bites, scratches or through contact with mucosa (such as the eyes, mouth or Through direct contact with open wounds), “Dr. Says Jitesh Kumar Chetiwal, veterinary surgeon.
symptoms of rabies
The rabies incubation period can last for weeks or even months. While the initial symptoms are mild and similar to any type of viral infection, the disease soon progresses to the brain and causes symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, delirium, and hallucinations.
“After exposure to rabies, the rabies virus has to get into the brain before it can cause symptoms. The time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is the incubation period. This can last from weeks to months. The first symptoms of rabies May resemble flu, including weakness or restlessness, fever or headache. There may also be discomfort, stinging or itching at the site of the bite. These symptoms may last for several days. Symptoms then progress to neurological dysfunction, anxiety, confusion. changes, and agitation. As the illness progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia. The acute period of the illness typically lasts 2 to 10 days. “Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal, and treatment is generally supportive,” says Dr. Chetiwal.
Who can get rabies?
“Both humans and animals can get rabies. While wild animals such as bats, raccoons and skunks are often carriers of the virus, domestic animals such as dogs, cats and livestock can also spread it to people. Although these conditions are uncommon, organ Transplants and contact with infected tissues can also sometimes spread rabies,” says Dr Singh.
“If someone is bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies, they should get medical help immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the virus from spreading and turning into rabies. Rabies shots include and, in some situations, rabies immune globulin,” says Dr. Singh.
How to prevent rabies
It is important to vaccinate pets and be careful of wild animals. To prevent this disease, immediate treatment after dog bite is necessary.
“The risk of rabies transmission can be reduced by taking preventive steps such as vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and getting medical help as soon as an animal bites or scratches you. By educating the public about it “Rabies prevention can be scaled up. The symptoms of the disease and the importance of vaccination. We can work together to create a future in which rabies will not cause any harm to the health of people or animals,” Dr Singh concluded.
