Rabies - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Rabies

Rabies Description

Invariably fatal viral infection spread by animal bites (eg. dog, cat, bat, monkey, rats). Found throughout Asia, Europe (except Spain , Italy , Scandinavia and Britain), Africa and the Americas, but not present in Australia and the Pacific. Other forms of the rabies virus have been implicated in rare infections, including a fatal encephalitis that can be caught from infected bats in northeastern Australia.

Rabies Cause

The Lyssavirus, which infects the salivary glands of animals, so that any bite causes the injection of the virus into the victim's wound. Incubation period after a bite is three to seven weeks. If possible, the animal causing the bite should be isolated and observed to see if it is affected.

Rabies Symptom

The classic symptom is fear of water (hydrophobia) which is due to the severe pain that swallowing any food or liquid causes as a result of muscle spasm in the throat. Further symptoms include skin pain and tingling, generalised muscle spasm, convulsions, the production of copious amounts of thick saliva and eventually muscle paralysis.

Investigation

Diagnosis confirmed by a specific blood test.

Rabies Treatment

First aid after a bite is thorough washing of the wound with soap and water, then drenching the bite in antiseptic (eg. Betadine). If rabies is suspected it is essential for the patient to receive a rabies vaccine. No treatment available once symptoms appear.

Prognosis of Rabies

Death within two or three days of symptoms appearing.