Rabies in Humans

Rabies is a virus that primarily affects animals but may be transmitted to humans. If left untreated, the virus is fatal. Direct contact with infected animals in the form of bites or indirect contact with the saliva or brain matter of an infected animal can infect humans with the rabies virus.

Identification

• Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and spinal cords of mammals.

Effects

• Early effects of rabies in a human being include mild symptoms such as headache, fever, sore throat or irritation at the site of a recent animal bite. Later serious symptoms include seizures and hallucinations.

Time Frame

• It takes anywhere from three to eight weeks from the time a person comes into direct contact with an infected animal for rabies symptoms to appear. If the person is infected, treatment should be immediate, because the disease is fatal over time.

Prevention/Solution

• If you come into direct contact with a rabid animal, immediately wash the contact area with soap and water. This may prevent rabies infection. However, because rabies is nearly always fatal in humans if left untreated, you should begin a series of rabies vaccines as a preventative measure.

Warning

• While rabies cases in humans are rare, the virus is eventually fatal. Though most animals in the United States are vaccinated for rabies, there are no such guarantees with wild animals or animals in other countries. If you are bitten or come into contact with the saliva or brain matter of an animal, see a doctor immediately.