Rabies is a viral infection that is transmitted to humans from animals. Without treatment, it is fatal. Prevention and treatment are available and should be discussed with a doctor before leaving.
What is rage?
This is a serious viral disease that primarily affects animals, but can also affect humans. Rabies is derived from the Latin meaning “to rage,” as rabid animals can appear disturbed and angry. Most animal cases include cats, dogs, cattle, skunks, raccoons, bats, and rodents. Only mammals can get this disease. Every year, 50,000 people around the world die from the disease.
How is rabies transmitted?
This disease is transmitted to humans from a bite or puncture in the skin of an infected animal. This virus is present in the saliva of the animal. This virus is strongly attracted to the nervous system and can travel to the spinal cord and brain.
What are the symptoms?
About a month or two after a rabid animal bite, humans complain of fever, headache, fatigue, and decreased appetite. There may also be pain or numbness at the sting site. A week or two later, nerve damage can show up with mental changes, hallucinations, seizures, and paralysis. Patients may develop severe pain when swallowing liquids. They complain of deep thirst, but avoid water. This is called hydrophobia or fear of water, which is another name for rabies. Without treatment, the disease is fatal.
How is rabies diagnosed?
If a person is bitten, it is extremely helpful if the animal can be quarantined. The animal can then be observed and tested for infection which, if negative, would eliminate the diagnosis of this disease. If the animal cannot be isolated, the doctor may have to assume that the disease may have been transmitted, depending on the particular circumstances.
Rabies should be suspected when a person shows the symptoms mentioned in the previous section, particularly when neurological problems are present. Many doctors, however, might not consider this disease as they have probably never seen a case in their careers. Specialized medical centers can perform tests on the patient’s saliva, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid to establish the diagnosis.
Is treatment available?
Fortunately, yes. In rabies, a vaccine is actually part of the treatment. Most vaccines, such as hepatitis and yellow fever vaccines, are given to prevent disease. This vaccine is given after exposure, even if there was pre-exposure vaccination. In addition to the vaccine, anti-rabies antibodies called rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) are recommended to help fight the infection. Although the vaccine and RIG are essential, immediate and thorough cleaning of the wound site with soap and water is essential. Urgent medical attention is strongly recommended.
Can rabies be prevented?
The risk can be minimized. Make sure your pets have been vaccinated against this disease. Also, avoid contact with unknown and stray animals. If you are bitten or scratched by a stuffed kitty wandering around your neighborhood, capture the cat and call your doctor.
Do international travelers need to be protected?
Rabies is a major health problem in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. Stray animals, both domestic and wild, can frequently be found abroad, especially in the developing world. Additionally, adequate treatment in many of these regions can be difficult to obtain. Travelers should discuss their itinerary in detail with their travel physician prior to departure to assess the risk of exposure to this disease and other preventable infectious diseases. There are circumstances where your travel doctor may recommend a vaccination prior to departure. Travelers going to destinations where rabies is present should have a plan in case exposure occurs.