Question

s rabies caused by viruses or by bacteria? How is it transmitted? Which organs and tissues are affected by the disease? How is it prevented and treated?

Answer 1

Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted by an infected animal bite. The causative agent of rabies is a virus called rabies vrus.

Transmission: It is passed on through saliva. Rabies can develop if a person receives a bite from an infected animal, or if saliva from an infected animal gets into an open wound or through a mucous membrane, such as the eyes or mouth. It cannot pass through unbroken skin.

Affected organs: The rabies virus affects the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord of humans and animals.

Treatment : If a person is bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies, or if the animal licks an open wound, the individual should immediately wash any bites and scratches for 15 minutes with soapy water, iodine, or detergent. This might minimize the number of viral particles.Then they must seek medical help at once. After exposure and before symptoms begin, a series of shots can prevent the virus from thriving. This is usually effective.The main treatment strategies include:

• A fast-acting dose of rabies immune globulin: Delivered as soon as possible, close to the bite wound, this can prevent the virus from infecting the individual.
• A series of rabies vaccines: These will be injected into the arm over the next 2 to 4 weeks. These will train the body to fight the virus whenever it finds it.

Prevention: The main strategies for prevention of rabies include the following:

• regular antirabies vaccinations for all pets and domestic animals
• bans or restrictions on the import of animals from some countries
• widespread vaccinations of humans in some areas
• educational information and awareness