Rabies also known as: hydrophobia and lyssa (Old-World term)
The word rabies comes from the Sanskrit rabhas, which means, "to do violence." Rabies is thought to be the oldest communicable disease of humans.
Definition of Rabies
Rabies is a disease (caused by the rabies virus) primarily of animals, including both wild and domestic animals and human beings.
Although people usually associate rabies with dogs, among domesticated animals in the U.S., rabies today is more likely to be found in cats.
Description of Rabies
Cats, dogs and cattle account for nearly 90 percent of rabies cases in domestic animals, with horses, mules, sheep, goats and ferrets making up the remaining cases.
Among wild animals, the disease is most often reported in skunks and raccoons.
Other wild species in this country in which rabies is commonly found include bats, foxes, and rodents.
The rabies virus, present in the saliva of an infected animal, is usually spread by a bite or scratch that punctures the victim's skin.
The virus has a strong affinity for cells of the nervous system. It enters nerve cells at the site of the wound, travels to the brain, and then follows other nerve pathways to muscles and organs that are especially affected by rabies.
Causes of rabies
• Virus: The virus that causes rabies is the lyssa virus, and it is one of the few in that particular group which can cause illness in man.
• Bitten by Animal: People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal
• Others: It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.
Signs and Symptoms of rabies
One of the most distinctive signs of a rabies infection is a tingling or twitching sensation around the area of the animal bite. In people, symptoms of rabies include
• Abnormal Postures & Thoughts
• Aggressiveness
• Confusion
• Difficulty in Speaking
• Excessive Movements
• Extreme Sensitivity to bright lights, sounds, touch
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Headache
• Increased Production of Saliva
• Irritability
• Loss of Appetite
• Muscle Aches and Spasms
• Nausea
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Weakness
In the advanced stage of the infection, these symptoms may develop:
• Extreme breathing problem
• Increased production of saliva causing the "foaming at the mouth"
• Double vision
• Problems moving facial muscles
How can rabies be prevented?
• Make sure dogs, cats, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
• Obey leash laws, and keep your pets supervised on your property to reduce the chance of exposure to rabies.
• When traveling or visiting wilderness areas, avoid any direct contact with wild animals, especially bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Enjoy wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. If you see an animal acting strangely, notify local health or animal control authorities. Do not try to catch the animal yourself.
• Stay away from wildlife. If any contact occurs or is suspected, get medical advice as soon as possible. Some animal bites are small, and people can be bitten without realizing it (such as when they are asleep).
• If your pet is attacked or bitten by another animal, report the attack to local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated pet gets a booster vaccination.
• If a person gets bitten, don't panic. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Get medical help immediately. The person might need preventive treatment. Rabies rarely occurs in humans if preventive treatment is started immediately. Alert animal control authorities so they can try to capture the animal.
• Certain high-risk persons can be vaccinated against rabies. People who should consider being vaccinated include: veterinarians, persons who work with wildlife, laboratory staff who work with the rabies virus, and long-term travelers to areas where rabies is common.
Rabies is an illness that affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted to people from infected mammals. Rabies can be prevented by avoiding exposure to infected animals. Rabies is preventable through a series of vaccinations after exposure, but it is fatal once symptoms appear.
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