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=Rabies=

Rabies-Rabies is a viral infection that is transmitted to humans through close contact with the saliva of an infected animal, most often by a bite or scratch, or by licks on broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth. Worldwide, dog bites are responsible for most human cases of rabies.


 * Symptoms**

Symptoms can take 20 to 60 days to appear, although this may vary considerably from several days to several years. Early symptoms are flu-like, including headache, malaise, fever, and fatigue. There may be discomfort or pain at the exposure site (i.e. bite). Symptoms progress quickly as the central nervous system is attacked, and the illness generally presents in one of two ways: "Furious rabies" is more common, and is characterised by anxiety and psychological disturbances (confusion, agitation, delirium, rage, hallucinations, and hydrophobia). "Dumb rabies" occurs in approximately 20% of patients and presents with paralysis. In both "furious" and "dumb" rabies, death usually occurs within seven days due to breathing failure caused by paralysis of the respiratory system.

Cause

The cause of the virus comes from the Rhabdoviridae family.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for rabies. Thoroughly cleansing the wound or bite site immediately after exposure can help prevent the onset of rabies. Shots given after exposure to the virus (called post-exposure prophylaxis) can be effective at preventing disease, as long as they are received promptly after exposure, and the appropriate product is administered using the appropriate technique. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after being bitten or scratched by an animal, or having close contact with a bat. Post-exposure prophylaxis is available worldwide however it is often difficult to obtain.

Who Gets Rabies

Dogs are most popular to carry the disease with them. About 30 to 60% of the victims of dog bites are children under the age of 15.