by Heather Lyon

Created on: June 07, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Rabies is a viral disease that is fairly prevalent in the United States. Although it is difficult to diagnose rabies in humans, it is treatable through preventative rabies vaccines and PEP medical treatment.

Rabies is a neurological disease which causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and ultimately death if not treated. The Rabies disease is caused by the rabies virus which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. Any mammal can contract and spread the virus therefore spreading the disease. Although, humans have a greater risk of contracting the disease from infected bats, raccoons, skunks, dogs, cats, or other domesticated animals. Rabies is usually transferred from one animal to the other through a bite, because the virus is found in the saliva of the infected animal. However, there are several documented cases of rabies being spread through organ transfer but this is rare.

The rabies virus attacks the neurological system of both the animals it infects and humans. Early rabies symptoms in humans are nonspecific. A person who has contracted rabies may experience a fever, headache, or may just feel sick. These symptoms usually occur two to twelve weeks after exposure to the virus. As the disease progresses neurological symptoms and other physical symptoms appear. Neurological symptoms of rabies may include unusual behavior or behavioral changes such as insomnia, anxiety, confusion, unusual excitation, hallucinations, agitation, and/or a fear of water. Additional physical symptoms may include salivating more than normal, difficulty swallowing, and/or paralysis. The familiar symptom of "foaming at the mouth" is due to the inability of the animal or person to swallow the excess produced saliva. Death usually occurs soon after the appearance of the neurological symptoms.

In animals, the neurological symptoms may include a lack of fear of humans or other predators. The animal may also show other unnatural behavior such as being out during the day if it is nocturnal (like a skunk). If you observe animals that are acting against their normal behavior or foaming at the mouth it is best to be wary of these animals since they may have rabies. If you see such animals close to home, call animal control do not try to approach an affected animal.

In order to correctly diagnose rabies in humans, several laboratory tests are necessary. Samples of saliva, serum from the blood, spinal fluid, and skin biopsies of hair follicles at the nape of the neck are collected from the individual

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>