Rabies

 

   

Rabies is a viral disease usually caused by the bite of an infected animal. Rabies causes the brain to swell resulting in convulsions, followed by respiratory depression, and death in almost all infected people unless treated quickly. By the time symptoms show, the disease is almost always fatal. 

 

The most common cause of rabies is being bitten by an infected dog, however raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and monkeys are also common sources of the disease.

 

Symptoms

 

• Delirium

• Anxiety or  stress

• Drooling

• Convulsions

• Sensation at the bite site (pain, itchiness)

• Excitability

• Muscle spasms

• Aggression

• Hallucinations

• Loss of muscle function

• Fever 

• Numbness and tingling

• Insomnia

• Difficulty swallowing 

 

Prevention

Vaccination remains the best prevention for rabies. Avoiding wild animals is also advised, especially in developing countries.