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Rabies Bite Treatment

The rabies virus is often passed from one mammal to another through the bite of an infected animal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the majority of cases occur in wild animals and that less than 10 percent of cases occur in domestic animals.

  1. Symptoms

    • Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous systems of mammals. Indications of the virus include such flu-like symptoms as fever, headache and/or melancholic behavior. Other symptoms include pain at the site of the bite, confusion, insomnia, agitation and hallucinations. According to the CDC, once signs of the virus appear, the infection is often fatal within seven days. It is therefore recommended that you seek immediate medical attention after being bitten by an animal.

    Tests

    • According to the CDC, in order to diagnose rabies in humans, several tests must be performed, including on saliva, serum, spinal fluid and hair follicles. While virus isolation is studied in saliva, serum and spinal fluids are tested for antibodies to the virus. Currently, the test for animals---the direct fluorescent antibody test---can only be performed after death.

    Treatment

    • Treatment after being exposed to rabid animals most often includes immunizations and wound cleansing; the course of treatment depends on the level of contact with an infected animal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these steps can prevent the onset of the virus in nearly every case. For those cases that result in anything from minor scratches to contact that breaks the skin, the WHO recommends anti-rabies vaccinations as soon as possible and that anti-rabies antibodies should be administered to those with weak immune systems.

    Prevention

    • To prevent against rabies, the Mayo Clinic recommends vaccinating all pets against the virus. Also important is avoiding wild animals, keeping bats out of the home---most U.S. rabies cases have been caused by bats, according to the CDC---and reporting any stray animals to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, after an attack, it is important to capture the animal if possible, to determine whether the animal has the rabies virus.

    Risks

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that those who travel to or live in developing countries are more likely to be exposed to the rabies virus. Also, wounds to the head or neck can help the virus spread more quickly to the brain.

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