Rabies: Origin, Impact, and Prevention

The word “rabies” originates from a Latin word meaning “to rage”. This is because animals with rabies typically act violently when infected with the disease. Rabies not only causes agitated behavior, when not treated correctly, it can be fatal. Rabies is a worldwide problem with an interesting background, an accomplished microbiologist who discovered a vaccine, and a plan for prevention in the future. Rabies is a severe acute viral infection that mainly affects the central nervous system. Traces of rabies in an infected animal or human are “found in saliva, brain tissue, and cerebral spinal fluid (“Rabies 3”). It has also been found in various organs of the body as well as the milk of infected animals (Braus). Animals that are most likely

Hydrophobia is the fear of water and this is a symptom about half of people infected with rabies develop (“Rabies 2”). Common symptoms include “fever; depression; confusion; painful muscle spasms; sensitivity to touch, loud noise, and light; extreme thirst; painful swallowing; excessive salivation; and loss of muscle quality” (“Rabies 2”). The symptoms are categorized in two forms; furious and paralytic. Furious or agitated is characterized by an altered behavior such as hiding, restlessness, staggering, excessive salivation, and sensitivity to light (Braus). Paralytic or dumb is classified as an period of excitement followed by incoordination, paralysis, and dehydration. Symptoms are usually followed by death within three to four days

Wild animals should not be touched or petted, even if they seem friendly. Do not interfere in fights between animals. Use extra caution in handling a pet that has come in contact with a wild animal. Windows and door should be covered with screens. People who work with domestic or wild animals should be vaccinated against rabies. Bites from mice, rats, and squirrels rarely transmit rabies because if they are bitten by a larger rabid animal they usually die” (“Rabies 2”). Also, if there is a situation where someone wakes up in a room where there is a bat, seek medical attention. Likewise, when traveling it is good to be aware the prevalence of rabies in the area you are visiting (“Rabies