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Types of Rabies

Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is communicated when saliva from an infected animal comes in contact with the victim’s blood, usually by bite wound. There are two distinct types of rabies, each with their own body of symptoms and complications. Knowing the difference between the two can be important in making decisions about medical treatment. If you suspect you have been infected, seek medical help immediately because sometimes by the time symptoms are apparent, it is too late.

  1. Furious Rabies

    • Furious Rabies happens when the virus replicates in portions of the brain including the hippocampus, amygdala, anterior thalamic nuclei and limbic cortex. When the virus invades the portion of the brain, the victim becomes violent and suffers headaches, high fever, irritability, restlessness and anxiety, muscle pain, excessive salivation and vomiting.

      It is typically believed that salivation and vomiting are linked, and contribute to the apparent hydrophobia (fear of water) in patients. These symptoms can last for several days, after which the patient may suffer from the second type of rabies, or may slip into a coma and die. It is when suffering from furious rabies that a person or animal is likely to attack those near them, and spread the disease.

    Dumb Rabies

    • Dumb Rabies occurs as the result of the virus replicating in the brain’s neocortex. During this phase a victim will become subdued, often suffering from depression, and partial or total paralysis. They may be very thirsty. Dumb rabies generally results in a coma, and will eventually lead to respiratory distress and death. It is much harder for a doctor to diagnose rabies in its “dumb” form than it is in its “furious” form, because the symptoms are less indicative of a specific medical issue.

    Vasicular Stomatitis Virus

    • Vesicular stomatitis virus is a member of the same viral family as rabies. A fairly mild viral disease, it is passed from host insects to common farm animals, and from farm animals to humans. It generally is flu-like, but may include more severe symptoms including fever, excessive salivation and blistering around the mouth. This virus is not considered deadly, and symptoms typically disappear in about a week without treatment. Blistered areas may take as long as a month to fully heal.

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