Rabies

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a serious viral infection caused by the rabies virus, which attacks the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord. The disease is found on every continent except Antarctica and affects both humans and animals.

People usually get rabies after being bitten or scratched by an infected animal. The virus travels through the nerves to the brain, causing inflammation that leads to severe neurological symptoms.
Although rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, it is completely preventable with timely medical care, including vaccination after exposure.

What Causes Rabies?

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a type of lyssavirus. The infection spreads through:

• Bites or scratches from an infected animal
• Saliva exposure to open wounds, the eyes, mouth, or nose
• Rarely, through organ transplants or laboratory exposure
  
  

In the U.S., rabies is most often carried by wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. In many other parts of the world, unvaccinated dogs are the most common source of human infection.

The virus cannot survive long outside a host and is not spread through casual contact like touching or petting an animal.

Signs and Symptoms of Rabies

Rabies symptoms typically appear one to three months after exposure but may develop sooner or later depending on where the virus entered the body and how much virus was introduced.

Early (Prodromal) Symptoms

•  Fever or headache
• Fatigue and weakness
• Discomfort, tingling or pain at the bite site
• Anxiety or irritability
  
  

Advanced (Neurological) Symptoms

As the infection spreads to the brain and nervous system, more severe symptoms may appear, including:

• Confusion or agitation
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Muscle spasms, especially in the throat
• Hydrophobia (fear of water) due to painful swallowing
• Hallucinations or paralysis
  
  

Once neurological symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal. Immediate medical care after exposure is the best way to prevent the disease from progressing.

How Is Rabies Diagnosed?

Rabies can be difficult to diagnose before symptoms appear. If a person has been bitten or exposed to a potentially rabid animal, healthcare providers typically act immediately rather than wait for test results.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Fluorescent antibody testing on saliva, skin, or cerebrospinal fluid
• Blood tests to look for antibodies (though these may only appear later in infection)
  
  

In animals, rabies is confirmed through testing brain tissue after death.

How Is Rabies Treated?

There is no cure for rabies once symptoms have developed. However, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) a series of shots given soon after exposure and can prevent the disease from developing.

Post-Exposure Steps:

1. Immediate wound care: Wash the bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Seek medical care right away: A health care provider will assess the risk and recommend treatment.
3. Post-exposure vaccination:

• Rabies immune globulin (RIG): Provides instant protection near the bite site.
• Rabies vaccine series: Four doses over two weeks help your body build lasting immunity.
  
  

If treatment is given before symptoms appear, rabies can almost always be prevented.

How to Prevent Rabies

Because rabies is so dangerous, prevention is critical.

Prevention Tips

• Vaccinate pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets, against rabies.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Never approach or feed unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly.
• Report animal bites or unusual animal behavior to local health authorities.
• Secure trash and pet food to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you work with animals, travel to high-risk areas, or spend time outdoors in rural settings.
  
  

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area immediately and seek medical care right away.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to rabies through a bite, scratch or direct contact with animal saliva, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Seek medical attention immediately for evaluation and post-exposure treatment.

At Riverside Health, we’re dedicated to providing fast, expert care for potential rabies exposures. Our providers offer wound evaluation, vaccination, and follow-up to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Visit riversideonline.com to find an urgent care or emergency location near you, or call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368 for guidance on what to do after an animal bite.