Question

Is 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 caused by a virus belonging to family Rhabdoviridae. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected animal and spread through their saliva. It is spread through stray dogs. Other animals that transmit rabies are cats, cows, bats, foxes, skunks, coyotes, racoons etc.

Symptoms of rabies are fever, violent movements, confusion, inability to move parts of the body, fear of water (hydrophobia), paralysis of legs etc.

After the animal bite, the virus moves from its saliva and enters the wound. It travels through the nerves and spinal cord and reaches the brain. It causes inflammation of brain and spinal cord leading to encephalopathy and eventually death.

Prevention of rabies:

1. Vaccinate the pets

2. Keeping pets confined and protected from predators

3. Stray animals should be reported to local authorities

4. When bitten, the wound should be washed for 10 - 15 minutes with soap water.

5. Rabies Vaccine: Get yourself vaccinated with rabies vaccine if you are traveling to a place where rabies is common.

After the animal bite, series of shots are given to prevent the virus from infecting you.

a. Fast acting shot (Rabies immune globulin)

The injection is given to area near the bite and as soon as possible after the bite.

b. Rabies Vaccine

It is given as injections in your arm. 4 injections over 14 days.