Rabies: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission of Infection, Prevention

Introduction of Rabies

Rabies is an extreme viral disease of the central nervous system. It is also known as hydrophobia. This disease is a disease of animals such as dogs, cats, bats, jackals and wolves. But it is also transmitted to humans by infected animals. Its virus lives in the saliva of infected animals and when an animal bites a human, this virus enters the human body.

Cause of Rabies

Rabies is caused by a virus called Lyssavirus. This virus is present in the saliva of an infected animal. When an infected animal bites a human, the virus enters the human body through its saliva.

Symptoms of Rabies

Symptoms of rabies can appear in humans from several months to several years. But it has been observed that these symptoms appear in humans only in 1 to 3 months. Changes occur in the initial symptoms of rabies such as laziness, sleepiness or irritability etc. If these symptoms appear in a person, then it becomes difficult for him to stay alive.

The following symptoms are seen in a person suffering from rabies:

1.  Fear of water. Hydrophobia.
2.  Dry throat
3.  Irritation to bright light and sound
4.  trouble speaking
5.  To make a sudden attack.
6.  pain at the bite site
7.  fever, headache, vomiting, tiredness
8.  alternating states of euphoria and sadness
9.  seizures and delusional states.
10.  To be disquiet.
11.  Strange thoughts come.
12.  Weakness and paralysis.
13.  The production of saliva and tears becomes more.

When the infection becomes too much, it reaches the nerves. When it reaches the nerves, the following symptoms appear like:

1. Appearance of two objects.

2. Trouble moving the muscles. Like the muscles of the mouth.

3. Excessive production of saliva and foaming in the mouth.

Transmission of Rabies Infection

The rabies virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected dog. Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, cows, buffaloes, and many other animals also transmit rabies to people.  It has been observed that when an animal infected with rabies bites a human, rabies spreads to it as well. That's why animals like dogs, cats, horses, etc. are vaccinated against rabies. But even after this, if these animals bite a person, then that person must consult a doctor.

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Prevention and control of Rabies

To prevent the spread of rabies infection in animals, they should be vaccinated from time to time so that you are not at risk from them. Keep an eye on your pet that there is no change in his behavior and also see if he has been bitten by any wild animal, if so, take him to the doctor immediately and get him treated. 

 ➤  You yourself should keep distance from wild animals and street animals. If you see any animal that looks infected, then you should inform the government employee about it.

Follow these instructions for treating an infected person-

(i)  Wash the wound with plenty of water and soap under the tap.

(ii)  Apply an antibiotic and take the patient to the hospital.

(iii)  Take the complete sequence of anti-rabies vaccine after consulting a doctor.

(iv)  Observe the animal that bitten him for 10 days.

(v)  Get the pet animals also vaccinated against rabies.

 ➤  If rabies is not treated, it can be fatal for that person. The truth is that once the symptoms of rabies start appearing in a person, it becomes very difficult to save him, so it is important that when a person gets infected by an animal, it is very important to get him treated.

 ➤  Keeping the above things in mind, it can be said that rabies is a very dangerous disease and wherever a wild or pet animal infected with rabies virus bites a human, it is very important to get treatment according to the doctor's advice. It is because delaying it can also result in the death of the patient.

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