Summary about Rabies in English
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease (RABV virus) that spreads in mammals by the bite or scratch of rabid animals as their saliva contains the virus which spreads through open wounds or mucous membranes of the ear, nose, and mouth. The animals like rabid dogs, bats, or foxes. The disease affects the central nervous system in humans resulting in coma and even death. It is fatal if clinical symptoms appear, however it can be prevented by vaccination. Rabies treatment in Pakistan is provided by the general physicians.
Causes of Rabies
The rabies virus is spread by the bite of rabid animals as their saliva enters humans containing the RABV virus. The disease also develops by scratching open wounds such animals.
Common animals causing rabies include Dogs, foxes, horses, bats, and monkeys.
Symptoms of Rabies
The symptoms of rabies occur according to the disease progression stages. The 5 stages of rabies progression in humans include;
Incubation: It is the time after the entry of infection into the body and before the symptoms appear. Incubation usually lasts for about 2-3 months up to one year
Prodromal phase: The entry of the virus into the brain initiates flu-like symptoms including;
Acute neurological disease: The brain gets affected and neurological symptoms appear. They include;
Breathing difficulties
Production of an excessive amount of saliva
Foaming at the mouth
Partial or complete paralysis
Convulsions
Phobias associated with water, or light
Sleep disorders like insomnia
Coma: Coma develops by the end of this face with inconsistent breathing
Death: After these symptoms, death may occur within 3 days
Diagnosis of Rabies Disease
As soon as you are scratched or bitten by a rabid animal, seek medical help without waiting for the symptoms or diagnosis.
Certain tests are performed to diagnose the severity of the viral spread which include;
Blood tests
MRI
Saliva test
CSF test
Treatment for Rabies in Pakistan
There is no specific treatment for rabies. After being exposed to the virus, clean the wound with antiseptic and seek medical help as soon as possible. An antibody treatment and shots of vaccination are injected to prevent the disease after the entry of the virus into the body.
Complications associated with Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease causing encephalitis if you do not seek immediate treatment. It can result in paralysis, coma, and even death within 3 days as the disease spreads in the brain.
Risks for developing Rabies
The rabies disease spreads by the bite of rabid animals and the chances of the disease are equal in all individuals however, certain risk factors may increase the chances of infection such as;
Working as a veterinarian
Living in a country where rabies is common
Wounds on the head or neck (virus travels quickly from such areas)
Working in labs associated with the rabies virus
Prevention of Rabies
The fatal rabies disease can be avoided by a number of preventive measures that include;
Vaccinate your pets
Vaccinate yourself with rabies vaccine if you are at high risk of developing the disease (veterinarian, lab workers, etc)
Properly supervise and confine domestic animals
Avoid keeping the wounds open
Seek medical help as soon as possible after any contact with the rabid animals.
Marham provides a platform for online or in-person consultation with the best general physicians for the treatment of Rabies in Pakistan.