By: ICMO

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease transmitted through an infected animal’s bite, scratch or lick to an open wound.

This virus attacks the central nervous system leading to a disease on the brain. Since there is no effective treatment for rabies yet, this disease is virtually fatal once clinical symptoms appear.

SYMPTOMS

The incubation period before symptoms show may last for weeks or months. However, the exposure site, type of virus, and immunity also plays a role on how fast the symptoms would show. Once the symptoms of rabies show, treatment will no longer be effective. The first symptoms of rabies are similar to symptoms of flu that may last for days.

Later signs and symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fear of drinking
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Partial paralysis

Treatment

If you have been exposed to rabies, proceed to the nearest animal bite center immediately. You might need a series of shots to prevent the virus from infecting your nervous system.

References:

Global Alliance for Rabies Control

https://rabiesalliance.org/news/join-world-rabies-day-2020-collaborate-and-vaccinate#:~:text=It’s%20here!,Rabies%3A%20Collaborate%2C%20Vaccinate%E2%80%9D.

https://rabiesalliance.org/resources/search?type=914#teaser-6040

World Health Organization

https://www.who.int/rabies/about/en/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies

Department of Health

https://www.doh.gov.ph/national-rabies-prevention-and-control-program

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html

Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rabies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351821#:~:text=Rabies%20is%20a%20deadly%20virus,%2C%20foxes%2C%20raccoons%20and%20skunks.