Use this link to access key information in regards to rabies in humans.
- Find generic information on Human Rabies, where it’s found, and how dangerous it can be.
- Find a range of advice on Rabies symptoms and how you can detect the early signs.
- Find further tips on Rabies treatment and how best to treat the signs of Rabies.
- Access important information on Rabies prevention and tips to minimise your risk whilst travelling.
- Click here for information regarding the Rabies Vaccine
Rabies
Human Rabies is a viral infection transmitted in the saliva of a bite from a mammal. Dogs, foxes and vampire bats are common carriers. Over 60,000 cases of rabies in humans occur each year.Children are more vulnerable as
- they may want to play with animals
- they cannot run as fast as adults
- their small size means they are more likely to suffer a bite on the head – where the risk is highest.
What does it do?
Rabies is invariably fatal.
The virus enters the body through punctured skin. If it is not killed by antiseptics used to treat the bite, or the body’s own immune system, it then enters the nervous system – and will eventually reach the brain.
Rabies symptoms usually take two to three months to develop, starting with itching and irritation of the bite wound. Next the horrendous symptoms of brain infection begin, including confusion, aggression, anxiety, hallucination and heightened sexuality. Characteristically, people with rabies become afraid of water and drinking can induce severe neck spasms.
Within a week either the heart stops beating or breathing stops. There has only been one report of survival – and even then the disease caused appalling disability.
Where is it ?
Rabies is found in most countries, although it is much more common in some areas than in others. A list and map is provided by the WHO at http://www.who.int/rabies/en/
Can it be treated?
For emergency rabies treatment, it is possible to reduce the risk of infection if bites are treated promptly. Saliva should be washed off with soap or ideally detergent and the wound washed with alcohol or iodine. It is then vital to seek urgent medical attention and to begin immunisations as soon as possible. If possible the animal should be observed to check whether or not it is rabid.
Immunisation requires jabs immediately and then at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. Even where a traveller has been immunised before departure, it is normal to receive a further dose of the vaccine.
Can Human Rabies be prevented?
Danger rating: 10/10 if bitten
