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Symptoms of Rabies Post-Exposure

Rabies is a fatal illness that does not begin to exhibit symptoms until the later stages of the disease. By the time that symptoms present, the illness is nearly always fatal, according to the Mayo Clinic. The virus can take between 30 and 50 days to reach the brain when symptoms will begin. It is essential to get a diagnosis and treatment before the virus affects the brain. Patients become infected from a bite from an infected animal or when an infected animal licks near an open wound.

  1. Pain and Tingling at Exposure Site

    • Pain and tingling at the site of an animal bite may be an indication that the virus is present. Any animal bite must be seen immediately by a doctor to treat rabies. Treatment is possible if the virus is caught before it reaches the brain.

    Flu-Like Symptoms

    • Early symptoms of rabies are similar to flu symptoms and include headache, fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Patients who have been exposed to an animal with the rabies virus should receive treatment before these symptoms begin.

    Difficulty Swallowing

    • The virus affects the salivary glands and causes an overproduction of saliva. This is the cause of foaming at the mouth that is present in cases of rabies infection. The voice box and throat are also affected and the patient will be unable to swallow excess saliva or any fluids. Some patients develop a fear of water during this stage of the virus. Painful spasms of the voice box occur when drinking fluids and this contributes to the fear of water.

    Agitation

    • Once the virus affects brain function, the patient becomes agitated and irritable. Mental confusion and depression occur during this stage of the illness.

    Hallucinations

    • The patient begins to hallucinate when the brain is infected with the rabies virus.

    Leg Pain and Spasms

    • As the disease progresses, the patient experiences muscle spasms and a loss of control over bodily functions. Pain and spasms usually begin in the lower legs, according to Penn State College of Medicine.

    Coma and Death

    • According to Penn State College of Medicine, within three to 20 days after the symptoms begin, coma and death follow. Rabies must be treated in the time before the virus reaches the brain to avoid these symptoms and death. If the virus is detected early, it can be treated and eliminated before it reaches the brain and causes symptoms.

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