Signs to Look for If a Person Has Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection spread by animals that is almost always fatal if it is not treated right away. It infects the central nervous system, so if left to fester, it can spread to surrounding muscles and make its way up to the brain, which leads to death. If you are bitten by a wild animal or by any animal that is behaving strangely, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to make sure the animal is not infected with rabies. If you choose not to visit a doctor right away, however, there are signs you should watch for just to be on the safe side. Typically, symptoms will appear in 10-30 days, but sometimes it can take up to a year. Pay close attention and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.

Tiredness

• One of the first indicators of rabies is a constant feeling of extreme fatigue. Someone infected with rabies may complain of exhaustion or say that they still feel tired even after getting a full-night's sleep. Make sure to pay close attention to how you feel if you have been bitten by an animal.

Itching

• Someone who has been infected with rabies may experience itching around the site of the bite. However, this is not always an indicator of rabies. Itching around a wound is a common sign of infection. Any itching around an injury should be looked at by a doctor so it can be treated properly.

Loss of Appetite

• A loss in appetite could be an early sign of rabies. If you don't feel like eating, try to evaluate possible causes to see if there is another reason for it, such as stress or another illness. If you cannot think of any other cause, seek medical attention.

Feverish

• A fever caused by rabies can become very serious if left untreated. Someone suffering from rabies my feel constantly feverish. A fever could also be a sign of infection rather than rabies. It is always a good idea to get a wound checked out if a fever develops.

Sensitivity

• Someone infected with rabies may experience increased sensitivity to light, sound and temperature. The person may be bothered by loud noises or bright lights and may feel extremely hot or cold.