Causative Agent
Rabies is an acute infection of the central nervous system caused by the rabies
virus. It affects mammals like dogs, cats, foxes, bats and humans.
Mode of Transmission
When humans are bitten, scratched or licked over their broken skin by an infected
animal, the virus in the saliva of the infected animal enters the human body
through the wound and travels through nerves to the brain, leading to encephalitis.
Transmission from person to person is not documented.
Incubation Period
The incubation period may last for a few days to several years, but it is
usually 3 to 8 weeks.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of rabies may be nonspecific flu-like symptoms such as
malaise, fever, or headache, which may last for days. There may be numbness
and tingling around the site of the wound. These are followed after a few days
by anxiety, confusion, spasm of swallowing muscles, paralysis, coma and death.
Treatment
Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal, and treatment
is supportive.
Prevention
- Dog owners should make sure their dogs are licensed and vaccinated against
rabies.
- Avoid stray animals, including dogs, cats, monkeys
- After being bitten by animal, wash wound thoroughly with plain water and
soap immediately. Then seek medical attention at the nearest Accident and
Emergency Department. If necessary, immunization against rabies may be given.
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