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Rabies, a highly deadly viral infection, is transmitted through the saliva of the infected animal, primarily through the bite of a stray dog, cat or bat. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing brain disease and death. Immediate treatment, including a series of injections, can help prevent the virus from developing into rabies. After a bite from an infected stray dog or cat, the rabies virus has to travel to the brain before causing symptoms. The incubation period can last from weeks to months. However, once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. (Read also | World Rabies Day: Can rabies be cured? Symptoms and stages of infection in humans)
A 21-year-old woman succumbed to rabies after being bitten by a stray dog. She was from Kolhapur in Maharashtra and died three days after completing the course of rabies vaccination. The young woman had received all five doses of the rabies vaccine after being bitten.
Can rabies treatment fail?
“Sometimes, rabies treatment can fail despite advances in medical research. In one such case, a 21-year-old woman did not respond well to rabies treatment. She was bitten by a dog, but despite After receiving PEP immediately afterward, he eventually contracted rabies and died from it. These incidents demonstrate the value of continued study and education on rabies prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Mohan Kumar Singh, senior consultant at internal medicine at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram.
What is rage?
“Rabies is a vaccine-preventable zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost 100% fatal. In up to 99% of circumstances, domestic dogs are responsible for transmitting the rabies virus to humans. However, “Rabies can affect domestic and wild animals alike. It is transmitted to people and animals through saliva, usually through bites, scratches or direct contact with mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, mouth or open wounds),” says Dr Jitesh Kumar Chetiwal, veterinary surgeon.
Symptoms of rabies
The incubation period for rabies can last 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 an exposure to rabies, the rabies virus has to travel to the brain before causing symptoms. This time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is the incubation period. It can last from weeks to months. The first Symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or malaise, fever, or headache. There may also be discomfort, itching, or a stinging sensation at the site of the bite. These symptoms may last for days. Symptoms then progress to brain dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation. As the disease progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia. The acute period of the disease usually ends after 2 to 10 days. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is always nearly fatal and treatment is usually supportive,” says Dr. Chetiwal.
Who can get rabies?
“Both humans and animals can contract rabies. While wild animals such as bats, raccoons and skunks are frequent carriers of the virus, domestic animals such as dogs, cats and livestock can also transmit it to people. Although these situations are rare, 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 seek medical help immediately. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the virus from spreading and developing into rabies. It consists of a series of vaccines against rabies and, in certain situations, rabies immunoglobulin,” adds Dr. Singh.
How to prevent rabies
It is important to vaccinate pets and be careful around wild animals. Prompt treatment after a dog bite is important to prevent this disease.
“The risk of rabies transmission can be reduced by taking preventive measures such as vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and getting medical help as soon as you are bitten or scratched by an animal. Rabies prevention can be improved by educating the public about the “Symptoms of the disease and the value of vaccination. We can work together to create a future where rabies poses no harm to the health of people or animals,” concludes Dr. Singh.