Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects mammals, including humans, and is caused by the rabies virus, a member of the Lyssavirus genus. It is a central nervous system (CNS) disease that results in acute encephalitis, leading to severe neurological symptoms and, if left untreated, death. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches, with common reservoirs being bats, dogs, raccoons, and other wild animals. Rabies has a prodromal phase characterized by flu-like symptoms, followed by either furious or paralytic rabies, marked by hyperactivity and hallucinations in the former, or muscle weakness and paralysis in the latter.

Medical intervention for rabies is most effective during the early stage, before the onset of severe symptoms. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) includes immediate and thorough wound cleaning and a course of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin administration. The vaccine prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, while the immunoglobulin offers immediate passive immunity. There is no effective treatment once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, and the disease is usually fatal, making prevention through vaccination of pets and wildlife, and PEP in case of potential exposure, crucial for control and prevention.