Rabies: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with prompt medical care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, primarily in Asia and Africa.

Causes and Transmission

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus from the Lyssavirus genus. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via:

Bites from rabid animals (dogs are responsible for the majority of human cases)
Scratches or open wounds licked by an infected animal
Rarely, inhalation of aerosolized virus in bat-infested caves

Common carriers include dogs, bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.

Learn more about rabies transmission on the CDC Rabies Page.

Symptoms of Rabies

The incubation period for rabies is typically 1–3 months, but it can vary from days to years. Early symptoms can be non-specific, such as:

Fever
Headache
Weakness or discomfort

As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear:

Anxiety, confusion, and agitation
Difficulty swallowing (hydrophobia)
Excessive salivation
Hallucinations and paralysis

Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal.

Prevention

Rabies prevention focuses on vaccination and exposure avoidance:

Vaccinate pets — Regularly vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — If bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical care for rabies vaccination.

The WHO rabies prevention guidelines provide full recommendations.

Treatment

There is no cure once symptoms appear, which is why immediate treatment after exposure is crucial. Post-exposure treatment involves:

Wound cleaning
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) for high-risk exposures
Rabies vaccine series over a few weeks

Key Takeaways

Rabies is preventable but almost always fatal if untreated.
Early medical care after animal bites saves lives.
Public awareness and vaccination programs are essential to eliminate human rabies deaths.

For more detailed medical guidance, visit:

CDC Rabies Information
WHO Rabies Factsheet.

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