Rabies is a viral disease that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid mammal. It is a disease that should be taken seriously, whether in household pets or seen in the wild. If you suspect rabies in a pet, yourself, or someone you know – be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
Information on Rabies
While there are thousands of cases of rabies presented to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (also known as the CDC,) it is estimated that less than 10% of these cases occur in household pets or livestock.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. This can be done through a bite from the infected animal, or by contamination of an open wound or through the mouth, nose or eyes. Once an uninfected host has become infected, the rabies virus will incubate for up to twelve weeks. During this time, the infected animal will show no signs whatsoever of the disease.
Eventually, symptoms will begin to occur and the onset of the disease is swift. The rabies virus will begin to attack the central nervous system of the infected host and continue through the common symptoms until death occurs. Generally, death occurs up to ten days after the initial symptoms begin to show.
Rabies in Humans
Signs and symptoms of rabies in humans should not be ignored. Often, the early symptoms of rabies are headaches, a light fever, difficulty swallowing, hyper salivation, agitated feelings, or simply just a feeling of discomfort. Symptoms progress into neurological stages that include confusion, anxiety, insomnia and further signs of rabies are partial paralysis, hallucinations, and a fear of water may develop (also known as hydrophobia.) If you suspect you may have contracted rabies, get to a doctor immediately.
Rabies can be treated (but not always cured,) in humans if a doctor is sought immediately. Those who die from rabies exposure usually die because they did not seek medical attention, often because they do not realize they have contracted the rabies virus.
Canine Rabies and Feline Rabies
The signs and symptoms of the rabies virus in cats and dogs is similar to the signs exhibited by humans. A general feeling of discomfort, along with a slight fever or headache will progress into anxiety, agitation, delirium, confusion, and so forth.
Rabies can be prevented in household pets through regular rabies vaccinations through your local veterinarian. Animals who are up to date on vaccinations, including rabies, are less likely to die from a rabies encounter, unlike animals who are not up to date on vaccinations.
Informational Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
