What is rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral infection of all warm-blooded animals, including humans affecting primarily the central nervous system and ultimately resulting in death.

The virus is present primarily in the saliva, brain tissue and spinal fluid of a rabid animal.

Rabies in Animals

Bats and wild animals especially wild carnivores such as foxes, raccoons and skunks are reservoirs of this virus. Household pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets are highly susceptible. Other animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses and pigs can also be affected.

Small rodents such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and hares are not usually affected by rabies virus; therefore bites from these animals are not considered a risk for rabies transmission. Birds, fish, snakes, insects, lizards and turtles never carry the virus.

Rabies in Humans

Humans usually becomes infected if bitten by rabid animals and the disease is usually fatal without medical treatment. It is also possible, but quite rare according to the Center for Disease Control,that peoplemay get rabies if infectious materials from a rabid animal such as saliva get directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.

Transmission: The most common route of transmission in both animals and human is through the bite from a rabid animal.Other routes include aerosol transmission and corneal transplantation.

Signs and Symptoms of Rabies

In animals, rabies generally manifest in two forms-furious and dumb forms. The most observable sign of infection is a change in the animal's behavior.

In furious rabies, the affected animals show an increase in activity characterize by agitation and excitement. The animal becomes restless and soon becomes vicious, biting at anything including imaginary objects. Other clinical signs include convulsion, paralysis, foaming in the mouth and mental and physical exhaustions resulting in death.

In dumb rabies, the animals usually appear docile and become paralyzed with a wobbling gait, prostrates and dies shortly after.

In humans, the most common sign of infection is an itching or twitching sensation around the bite areas often accompanied by a fever, headache, muscle pains, fatigue and anorexia. In advanced cases, the affected victim may experience one or combinations of other symptoms including, but not limited to, agitation, hallucination, confusion, irritability, abnormal gait, aggression, and convulsions or muscle spasms.

Control and Prevention of rabies

• In case of a bite from a rabid animal, the wound must be immediately and thoroughly washed with plenty of water. Immediate medical attention should be obtained and the victims should follow the physician's recommendations.
• Domestic animals at risk such as dogs, cats and ferrets must be annually vaccinated by a veterinarian.
• Pets should be kept indoors to reduce exposure to the attack from rabid animals
• Protect your pets from contact with wild animals and never keep wild animals as pets in your homes
• Report every suspected rabid animal to the appropriate authority such as city or county animals control centers.

References and suggested websites for further information:

Center for Disease Control: Rabies

American Veterinary Medical Association: What You Should Know About Rabies

World Health Organization: Human and Animal Rabies

Kids Health: Rabies

Illinois Department of Public Health: Rabies