Rabies Symptoms in Human

What are the Symptoms of Rabies in Humans

Rabies is a viral illness that infects the central nervous system (CNS). It causes immense damage and, if left untreated, can lead to death. The rabies virus primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites or scratches.

This disease affects a wide range of mammals, including dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes, as well as humans. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are essential to prevent the development of rabies virus symptoms and ensure a favourable outcome.

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What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral illness that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via bites or scratches. Once symptoms develop, rabies is nearly always fatal, making early treatment essential. 

The virus travels to the brain, causing inflammation and severe neurological symptoms such as confusion, paralysis, and aggression. Rabies can be prevented through immunization, both pre-exposure and post-exposure. If administered promptly after being bitten by an animal, a course of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) injections can treat the disease. 

However, once symptoms of the disease appear, there is no cure, underscoring the importance of prevention and early intervention.

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What are the Early Symptoms of Rabies in Humans?

Rabies symptoms typically appear in stages, starting with mild and general signs that resemble the flu or viral infections. These initial symptoms normally occur between 1 and 3 months following exposure to the virus. 
In some instances, however, they develop faster or even within a year following a scratch or bite from an infected animal. The early symptoms of rabies in humans are as follows: 

• Fever: This is one of the first symptoms of rabies. It is usually followed by chills and a feeling of exhaustion. Although fever is present in most infections, if it occurs with other signs such as agitation and irritability, rabies is suspected.
• Headache: Often associated with fever, headaches may start as a dull pain but can intensify over time. They are a common early symptom of rabies that resembles headaches caused by other viral infections.
• Fatigue and Weakness: As the virus begins to infect the body, you might get progressively weaker and more tired. This severe weakness usually accompanies fever and headaches.
• Pain, Tingling, or Itching at the Bite Location: In most instances, the first signs of rabies are experienced around the animal's bite or scratch location. The sensations may be general, but the location may be sore, tingly, or itchy.

At this point, it is important to note that the initial symptoms of rabies in humans are sometimes similar to those of other diseases. For instance, dog bite rabies symptoms or even cat bite rabies symptoms in humans may begin with fever, pain at the site of the incision, and overall malaise.

How Do Rabies Symptoms Progress?

As the virus keeps spreading in the nervous system, the symptoms of rabies intensify and get more specific. The following is an overview of the various stages:

1. Neurological Symptoms

●  Agitation
●  Confusion and delirium
●  Hallucinations
●  Hydrophobia (fear of water)

2. Paralysis

When the virus affects the spinal cord, paralytic symptoms of rabies may develop. Paralysis could start at the site of the bite and eventually affect other parts of the body. Muscle weakness in the face, limbs, and other body areas is followed by general paralysis. Difficulty with movement, speaking, or breathing may ensue.

3. Coma and Death

If left untreated, rabies develops into a coma. It is generally deep and non-reactive because the virus is highly destructive to the brain. Eventually, breathing fails, and the infected individual might die, often within weeks after the onset of symptoms.

This is why understanding the rabies symptoms time is so important—once symptoms occur, the disease is nearly always fatal. Yet rabies symptoms in humans can have a different timeline, and early post-exposure treatment can prevent these tragic outcomes.

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How Long do Symptoms of Rabies Take to Appear?

Here is an overview of the rabies symptoms in humans timeline:

• Even though the onset of rabies symptoms can take from 1 to 3 months, the timing of when symptoms appear after a bite can vary. 
• Symptoms will appear sooner if the bite is near a large group of nerves or close to the head. 
• Bites situated further away from the central nervous system may result in delayed symptoms.
• In the case of cat scratch rabies symptoms in humans, incubation can be weeks to months.

It is important to understand that rabies may take longer to appear in certain individuals, with the virus spreading slowly in their bodies.

How Does Animal Exposure Contribute to The Transmission of Rabies?

Here are some key points about how rabies spreads and what to do if you’ve been exposed:

1. Bite Wounds (Most Common Mode of Transmission)

• Rabies is known to be transmitted through a bite from an infected animal to a human or another animal.
• The virus is in the saliva and gains entry into the body through broken skin.
• Deep rabid animal bites (particularly from dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes) carry the greatest risk.

2. Scratches and Open Wounds

• Though less frequently used, scratches from infected animals may also spread rabies if contaminated saliva makes its way into the wound.

3. Mucous Membrane Exposure

• The virus may enter through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) when it comes into contact with infected saliva. 
• Uncommon instances have occurred when infected animal saliva has reached the eyes or mouth of a person. 

4. Aerosol Transmission (Uncommon Cases)

• Inhaled virus in bat-infested caves has caused infection in uncommon instances. 
• Situations have happened when infected animal saliva has reached the eyes or mouth of a person. 

5. Organ Transplantation (Extremely Rare)

• Rabies has been transferred through organ transplantations from unknown rabies-infected donors.

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What are the Methods of Prevention and Vaccination for Rabies?

Methods to prevent rabies are:

• Vaccines for Humans Against Rabies: To prevent the development of rabies, vaccines against rabies may be given after exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP).
• Pre-Exposure Vaccination: Individuals at increased risk of exposure to rabies, including veterinarians, wildlife handlers, and travellers to regions with high levels of rabies, can get a pre-exposure rabies vaccine.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): If you are scratched or bitten by an animal suspected of being infected with rabies, go immediately for medical attention and be administered PEP in the form of a series of rabies shots and, in some cases, rabies immune globulin (RIG). 
• Vaccination for Pets: Vaccinating pets, particularly dogs and cats, against rabies is one of the most effective means of preventing rabies transmission.
• Wound Care: If you are bitten, it is important to wash the wound with soap and water immediately to reduce the risk of infection before consulting a healthcare provider.
• Animal Control: To avoid rabies, avoid wild animals and ensure that domestic pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• Immediate Treatment: The earlier you get PEP after exposure, the better your chances of avoiding rabies symptoms. Rabies vaccines are very effective if administered early.

Rabies is a dangerous and potentially lethal viral illness, but it can be prevented with early medical treatment if detected. Awareness of rabies symptoms in humans and quick treatment after exposure to an infected animal are crucial for survival. If you are concerned about rabies, ensure that your pets are vaccinated. 

If you work in environments where rabies exposure is a risk, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Availing health insurance plans from Star Health can help you get easy access to quality healthcare facilities during medical emergencies. Also, such policies offer coverage for hospitalization and several other treatment-related expenses, ensuring you get adequate care without any delays. 

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