Rabies remains one of the most hazardous viral diseases on the planet and is known to exist in 150 countries. Rabies-infected animals are found throughout the United States. Each year, more than 60,000 Americans become exposed to the potentially deadly illness and receive vaccinations.
Rabies Transmission
In the United States, bats, raccoons, and skunks are the major suspects thought to carry the virus. Domestic animals become infected via contact with infected wild animals. The virus spreads through saliva. The virus-infected saliva enters an animal’s or a human’s body after being bitten, licked, or scratched. The incubation period between the bite and the display of symptoms varies greatly.
Virus Symptoms
Actively infected animals commonly display abnormal behavior. Rabies-infected animals may exhibit extremely aggressive and agitated behavior. Some wild animals may seem docile or lethargic. As the disease process advances, the animals lose the ability to swallow, which causes hypersalivation or foaming at the mouth. Physical coordination declines, paralysis, coma, and death occur.
Humans infected with the virus may complain of tingling or other abnormal sensations at the site of animal contact. Fevers and headaches are also common. A rabies patient may exhibit unusual anxiety. As the virus progresses, the individual becomes sensitive to lights, sounds, and temperature changes. Seizures and hallucinations occur when the disease progresses to the central nervous system.
Rabies Diagnosis
Rabies is suspected in an individual suffering broken skin caused by contact with a wild animal. If the injury occurs secondary to an attack by a domestic animal, the animal undergoes isolation to determine possible illness. The individual may receive prophylactic treatment. Confirmed diagnoses in animals occur after examining the brain tissue of the animal after death.
Rabies Prevention
The virus remains 100 percent preventable by adhering to a number of precautions. Ensure that pets are vaccinated as recommended by a veterinarian. Avoid contact with wild animals. If someone witnesses unusual behavior in a wild animal, they should contact the proper authorities.
Anyone suffering injury after exposure to a potentially infected animal must immediately wash the wound with soap and water for approximately 15 minutes. Apply rubbing alcohol or iodine to the site. Seek medical attention. Depending on the circumstances of the attack, the patient may require a rabies vaccination along with an injection of human rabies immunoglobulin.
