What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a serious sickness that many people still don’t know enough about, even though it can be prevented. This blog explains what rabies is, how people and animals get it, what signs to watch for, and how to protect yourself and your family.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a dangerous disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system. Once a person begins to show signs of rabies, it almost always leads to death. But the good news is that rabies can be prevented if you act before symptoms start.
How Does Rabies Spread?
Rabies spreads through the saliva (spit) of an infected animal. This usually happens when an infected animal bites a person or another animal. The virus gets into the body through the skin break from a bite or scratch.
In most cases around the world, dogs are responsible for almost all human rabies infections. Other animals that can carry rabies include bats, foxes, and wild animals, but dog bites are by far the most common source.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can get rabies if they are bitten or scratched by an animal carrying the virus. Young children are especially at risk because they may play with animals without understanding the danger.
What Are the Signs of Rabies?
Rabies doesn’t make you sick right away. It can take weeks or even months before signs appear. This time between being bitten and getting sick is called the incubation period.
Early signs may feel like common sickness:
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Fever or headache
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Feeling uncomfortable or tingling where you were bitten
Later signs, when the disease has reached the nervous system, can include:
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Extreme fear or confusion
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Trouble swallowing and lots of drooling
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Fear of water because swallowing becomes painful
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Weakness or paralysis
Once these signs start, rabies is almost always fatal. That’s why prevention is the only chance to survive.
How Can You Prevent Rabies?
1. Avoid Animal Bites
Stay away from animals that are strange, sick, acting strangely, or aggressive. Do not try to touch or feed animals you do not know.
2. Vaccinate Animals
Making sure your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies protects both your pets and your family.
3. Seek Help Fast After a Bite
If you are bitten or scratched by any animal that could have rabies:
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Wash the wound right away with soap and clean water.
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Get medical help immediately, even if you feel fine.
Doctors can give rabies shots (vaccination) that stop the virus before it reaches your brain. This treatment is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). READ MORE >>
4. Educate Your Community
Talking with neighbors, friends, and family about rabies can help everyone understand the danger and how to prevent it.
Even though rabies is preventable, it still causes many deaths every year, especially where people don’t have good access to vaccines or health care. Knowing the facts and acting quickly after a potential exposure can save lives.
Key Takeaways
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Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease.
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It spreads most often through dog bites.
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Once symptoms begin, there is no cure.
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Immediate care after a bite can prevent the disease.
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Vaccinating animals and avoiding risky animal contact are essential.