Rabies Is Not Bliss! How to Prevent Infection

One of the deadliest diseases in the world that by many is feared is not one that is transmitted by insects, or a mere cough from another individual. This virus in nearly all cases does not even show symptoms until it has finally throughout most of the body and central nervous system. Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system causing brain disease and death within a matter of days after the virus has completely consumed the nervous system.

            Why is the virus feared by people? As I stated in the beginning, rabies rarely shows any symptoms after infection. In humans, the incubation period can last many months in humans. An individual may not even know they are infected until months after transmission. Transmission of the virus may occur when an individual is bitten by an infected animal, most commonly dogs, raccoons, monkeys, wolves, coyotes, cattle, and bats. Rabies can also be transmitted through domesticated farm animals and wild carnivores. Due to widespread animal vaccination though, rabies infected dogs has become extremely rare in the United States but in developing countries is still prevalent.

            Once an individual is infected, symptoms begin to show after the long incubation period which can last between 3-12 weeks. This the average but sometimes even longer periods have been documented (Some people have gone years without any symptoms showing!) depending on the location of the bite and transmission, the severity of the wound, and the amount of the virus induced. Once symptoms begin to show, the chances of survival are very low and death can occur between 2-10 days.

            When symptoms do begin to show, within a matter of days, they can become extremely severe. The first symptoms are flu-like around the first day and then move on to anxiety, mania, hallucinations, depression, convulsions, uncontrolled drooling, muscle spasms, and delirium due to the infected central nervous system. Days before death, final symptoms can range from partial paralysis, hydrophobia, inability to swallow, violent movements, to coma, loss of muscle function, and respiratory failure which in turn leads to death.

            In the U.S., the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) recommends for patients to take a series of vaccines during a two-week period after exposer or a bite. You might think, “But how will I know if I am infected if there are no chances of finding symptoms within the first days?” Your best option would be to consult with your doctor for examination right after you have been bit or exposed to wild bats, foxes, and skunks in rural areas. Most patients receive immunoglobulin (HRIG) the first day and then a 4-series rabies vaccination process is given to the patient. Sometimes a 5-dose series is given within a 28-day period.

             If you have any pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets, be sure to have them vaccinated and always keep them under supervision. Never handle any wild animals especially those that are stray. If you come upon a wild animal or a stray that is acting strangely (very little movement, biting or scratching a wound, foam and drooling at the mouth) contact an animal control officer immediately. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes and then contact a healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is required. For more information, visit us at our website at www.travelclinicny.com or call us at 212-696-5900 for updates and appointments at our certified travel clinic.