Rabies can be transmitted to a human from dogs or other mammals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates an average of 55,000 rabies-related deaths each year. Rabies is not an infection to be taken lightly. A simple animal bite can lead to death. Take every bite seriously, and be careful if rabies is active in your community.
Transmission
Mammals, including humans, are at risk for rabies. The viral infection can be transmitted from an infected body to a healthy one through saliva or other bodily fluids. In most cases, the disease is transmitted from one animal to another, but sometimes a human will become infected from a bite.
Time Frame
Although rabies can infect humans in as little as two weeks, some cases take several years before symptoms appear. Most people are affected with symptoms within two to three months. If not treated before the first symptoms or immediately at the onset of symptoms, coma or death could result in two to 18 days.
Danger
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and often is fatal. According to the Association of Medical Microbiologists, only six rabies survivors with symptoms have been recorded, and, of those six, four were left with permanent brain damage.
Symptoms
The initial bite that transmits the infection often is healed by the time symptoms begin. The first symptoms might include itching, burning or pain around the site, coupled with fever or headaches. As symptoms progress, fever will persist, and the victim will experience depression, anxiety, exhaustion and muscle soreness. The victim could have an excess of saliva. Periods of arousal followed by irritability, anxiety and hallucination might develop. Rabies symptoms will last two to 14 days before progressing to coma or death.
Treatment
When bitten by an animal, especially one that could have rabies, clean the wound and surrounding area with soap, water and alcohol immediately. Notify a doctor of the incident and the location of the animal that caused the bite. If your doctor suspects a high risk of rabies, a vaccine might be recommended. Regardless of the high cost, it is safe, effective and saves lives.
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