Rabies in Humans

The rabies disease is caused by a virus from the type species of the Lyssavirus genus. The virus attacks the central nervous system of the warm blooded animals. It gets transferred from one to the other when the saliva of the infected animal comes in contact of an open wound. The fatality rate of the rabies makes it one of those dangerous diseases that is dreaded most by humans. However, timely treatment helps in curing the disease.

Rabies Infection in Humans
The mode of transmission of rabies infection is either through the bite of a rabid animal or non-bite exposure (in rare cases). Non-bite exposure to the virus may take place through abrasions, scratches, mucous membranes (nose, eyes and mouth) and open wounds which become contaminated with saliva of the infected animal.

Rabies Virus in Humans
The virus that causes rabies in humans belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. These viruses have a cylindrical morphology and are formed of a single-stranded RNA genome. The genetic information is packaged in the form of ribonucleoprotein complex. The Lyssavirus genus includes Duvenhage virus, Australian bat lyssavirus, European bat lyssavirus, Khujand virus, Irkut virus, Mokola virus, Lagos bat virus and the West Caucasian bat virus.

Rabies Vaccine for Humans
The rabies shots for humans are spaced over a period of time i.e. they are given on separate days. The vaccine is given in 3-5 shots and in the deltoid region of the body. The first shot should be given immediately after a person is exposed to a bite. The following shots should be given on the third, seventh and fourteenth days. A person who is getting the vaccine for the first time should first get a dose of rabies immune globulin which provides short-term protection. The reactions to the vaccine might include headache, a sore arm and nausea. Getting the pets vaccinated too, is important. In fact vaccination of animals is required by law. It helps prevent the rabies in humans and thus, reduces the risk of contacting the disease.

Rabies Symptoms in Humans
A person infected with rabies might exhibit the symptoms after an incubation period of three to eight weeks. The initial symptoms are cough, fever, sore throat, irritability, pain, headache, itching, etc. With the progression of the disease, the patient starts suffering from breathing problems and spasms of muscles in the throat. As the disease reaches further levels or becomes more complicated, the patient suffers from seizures and hallucinations. More on rabies symptoms in humans.

Prevention of Rabies in Humans
There is no 100% cure for rabies thus, preventing the disease remains the only viable option. The first thing that one should consider is to watch out for rabid animals and stay away from them. The animals affected with rabies generally appear to be sick, crazy, vicious or just confused. Read more on rabies symptoms in dogs.

However, if one gets bitten by a rabid animal, the wound should be washes properly. It reduces the risk of contacting the disease to a great extent. Vaccinating the pets against rabies is also one of the important preventive measures. Read more on rabies information and prevention tips.

Rabies takes thousands of lives (especially children) in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. Children from the age group of 5-10 years constitute most of the mortalities that occur worldwide. Thus, care needs to be taken to prevent this dangerous disease. The knowledge of different aspects of the rabies in humans such as symptoms, virus, vaccination, etc. would thus, help in taking proper steps in its prevention.