Why rabies is dangerous and how to protect yourself from it

What is rabies

It is a deadly infectious disease that is transmittedRabies / Mayo Clinic through the saliva of infected animals and affects the nervous system. People can become infected with rabies if they are bitten by a carrier of the disease or if saliva spills onto an open wound, mucous membranes, or eyes.

If a person has the first signs of infection, then he will die.Rabies / WHO with almost 100% probability. Death is usually due to respiratory and heart rate arrest as the virus damages parts brainthat control these functions.

Who can tolerate rabies

Up to 99% of human infections are associatedRabies / WHO with dogs. But carriers areRabies / Mayo Clinic and other mammals:

• cats;
• cows;
• horses;
• goats;
• ferrets;
• the bats;
• raccoons;
• foxes;
• coyotes;
• beavers;
• monkey;
• skunks;
• marmots.

In extremely rare cases, the virus is transmitted during transplant organswhen the donor had rabies.

What are the symptoms of rabies

They usually show upRabies / NHS 3-12 weeks after infection, less often - after a year

Rabies / WHO. It all depends on how many viruses have entered the body and where the wound is. If the animal has bitten on the neck or head, symptoms occurRabies / Mayo Clinic earlier, as the virus enters the brain faster.

The first signs of rabies are similar to flu. These are malaise, weakness, high fever and headache. Sometimes discomfort occurs at the site of the bite. And after a few days appearRabies / NHS the following symptoms:

• confusion, hyperactivity, or aggressive behavior;
• hallucinations;
• insomnia;
• increased salivation;
• rabiesRabies / Mayo Clinic - a person is afraid to drink liquid;
• aerophobiaRabies / WHO - fear of draft or fresh air;
• muscle spasms;
• difficulty swallowing and breathing;
• paralysis.

What to do if bitten by an animal

Act as soon as possibleRabies / NHS So:

• Wash the wound with soap and water, preferably for a few minutes.
• Disinfect the bite with any alcohol or iodine-based product, you can apply a simple bandage.
• Consult a doctor at the nearest hospital or clinic within a few hours of the accident.

A medic can doRabies / Mayo Clinic injections of immunoglobulin around the wound to stop the spread of the virus. But most often they are used against rabiesRabies / NHS vaccine. If a person has not previously received such a vaccine, then he will be prescribed four injections within a month. A vaccinated two injections are enough with an interval of several days.

How to protect yourself from rabies

Mayo Clinic experts adviseRabies / Mayo Clinic the following measures:

• Vaccinate pets and prevent them from interacting with wild animals.
• Protect your pets from the attack of predators.
• Report stray animals to local authorities.
• Get vaccinated in advance. Especially if you are going to the developing countries of Asia and Africa, where the virus is common.
• Do not come into contact with wild animals. For example, you shouldn't climb into caves where bats live. It is also better not to approach and stroke the stray animals in the city. Even when infected with rabies, they can still seem friendly and make contact.