Rabies Symptoms
Rabies symptoms are a result of
a disease that is usually transmitted to humans by being bitten by a rabid
animal. It is usually fatal in humans who contract the disease and do not
receive treatment. It is actually quite rare in humans in the US. Since 1990,
only 27 cases have be documented in the United States. It is most common in wild
animals, with bats being the number one carrier. The most common domesticated
animal with rabies is the cat.
Symptoms of rabies do not present themselves right away. There
is an incubation period of ten days to several years, although the average
incubation time is 30-60 days. Between 2 and 10 days after rabies symptoms
appear, nervous system damage becomes apparent. By this time it is generally too
late, and death is preceded by cardiac or respiratory arrest or a coma. The
incubation period seems to be related to the site of the exposure. The farther
away from the brain, the longer the incubation period. If the puncture is closer
to the brain, the rabies symptoms appear sooner.
Symptoms of rabies may include:
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
- fever
- headache
- pain, tingling, or itching at the site of the bite
- muscle aches
- chills
- confusion
- agitation
- hydrophobia or fear of water
- rarely, paralysis at the bite site (usually associated with
vampire bats outside the US)
- eventually seizures and coma
The disease attacks the nervous system, most notably in the throat and
respiratory areas. It is contracted most often through a bite or scratch, which
allows the virus entrance. The only other two ways rabies have been contracted
are exceedingly rare. Two people contracted the virus from breathing air in a
cave where rabid bats resided. Six people were infected by cornea implants from
people who unknowingly had the disease.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to the rabies
virus, you should get help immediately. Do not wait until the symptoms of rabies
present themselves, because, by that time, it is too late. A good offense
against rabies symptoms can only be achieved with the prompt help of your
doctor.
Rabies Symptoms
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