Rabies

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks your brain and spinal cord. It can cause death if not prevented by being treated early. It is also called hydrophobia because it causes painful muscle spasms in your throat making it hard to swallow.

How do you get Rabies?

The virus gets in your body through your skin or mucous membranes after you have been exposed to it. Different animals may carry the rabies virus like dogs, cats, bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes. Most people get rabies from wild animal bites that break through the skin. If you are bitten by a wild animal, it is best not to take chances. You should get treated as soon as possible because treatment almost guarantees that you will not get the disease.

How long does it take to get Rabies?

It can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks for symptoms to show up. By the time symptoms appear, rabies cannot be prevented or cured.

Symptoms of rabies in humans include:

• Pain followed by tingling where you got the bite
• Sensitive skin
• Drooling
• Cannot swallow fluids
• Have rage with calm periods in between
• Seizures
• Paralysis

What should I do if I get bitten by an Animal?

If you are unsure of the animal's health, the doctor will want to treat you, especially if you were bitten by a wild animal. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after being bitten:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
• If you are unsure about how healthy the animal is go to the Emergency Department right away.

Treatment:

• 1 injection of rabies immunoglobulin
• 5 injections of human diploid cell rabies vaccine given over 28 days
• If your tetanus shot is not up to date within the last 5 to 10 years, you will need one of those also.
• Small children and pregnant women may safely receive treatment.

Prevention:

• Avoid strange animals. Do not feed or touch them.
• If you plan to travel to an area where rabies is common in domestic animals (pets) like in India and parts of South America, you should develop immunity to the virus by getting vaccinated with the human diploid cell rabies vaccine.
• Go see your doctor if you plan to travel to a third world or developing country where access to treatment is uncertain.
• Have your pets immunized yearly.

Go to the Emergency Department IF:

• You are bitten by a wild animal or a pet that has not been immunized.
• You are bitten and you have any of the symptoms above.