Understanding Rabies In A Person: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through saliva by bites or scratches from infected animals to humans. Once a person has been infected, the virus travels to the brain and causes inflammation leading to a fatal outcome in almost all cases.
The Symptoms
The early symptoms of rabies can be broad and flu-like, including fever, headache, and weakness. As the virus progresses, symptoms may include agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, insomnia, and difficulty swallowing. Later stages of infection include paralysis, hallucinations, and seizures.
The Causes
Rabies is caused by a virus that belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae. The virus is transmitted through bites by infected animals such as dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, and foxes. In some cases, contact with animal saliva from scratches or open wounds can also result in infection.
Treatment Options
Once a person is infected with rabies, there’s no known cure. However, there are vaccines available to prevent the virus from taking hold in the body as long as it is administered promptly after exposure.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a series of injections given to individuals who’ve been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal. This treatment can prevent the virus from spreading throughout the body and causing severe symptoms.
Conclusion
Rabies is a deadly virus that can have severe implications on human health. The critical message in preventing rabies from viral exposure is to avoid contact with infected animals, maintain up-to-date pet vaccinations, and report any unusual animal behavior to local animal control immediately. Vaccinations should also be administered as soon as possible when exposed to the virus, to prevent further development of complications. Staying knowledgeable about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can make a difference in combating this fatal disease.
