Rabies

What is Rabies?

• Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
• Caused by the rabies virus.
• Spread through saliva of infected animals.
• Usually transmitted via bites or scratches.
• Preventable through vaccination and early treatment.

Symptoms of Rabies

• Anxiety and confusion
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excess salivation
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
• Hallucinations
• Fever, Headache, Weakness
• Pain or tingling at bite site

Diagnosis of Rabies

• Exposure history (animal bite/contact)
• Clinical symptoms
• Laboratory testing (saliva, skin biopsy, or spinal fluid tests)
• Neurological evaluation

Treatment of Rabies

• Wash wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek medical care immediately.
• Human rabies immune globulin (HRIG)
• Series of rabies vaccines (days 0, 3, 7, 14)