The Effects of Rabies on Humans

Rabies is a disease that strikes mammals and affects the central nervous system. Its ultimate effect is to inflame the brain. Once rabies reaches the brain and spinal cord there is no vaccination or treatment available. It usually takes rabies within 10 days from the initial contact to reach the brain and spine. During this small window rabies may be treated with injections and medications.

Early Signs

• Early symptoms include irritability, headache, high fever, confusion and sometimes itching or pain at the site of the bite. It may be transmitted through a bite or contact with saliva or brain tissue of the infected animal. Time between exposure and symptom outbreak is usually two to 12 weeks, but it may vary from person to person. People infected and not treated eventually become restless, confused and uncontrollably excited. They may exhibit bizarre behavior along with hallucinations and insomnia.

Middle Stages

• As the disease progresses and ravages the brain, salivation will increase along with bizarre behavior. Spasms of the throat and larynx will begin as the area that regulates them in the brain is attacked. These spasms can be extremely painful. Swallowing, speaking and breathing may all be affected. Attempts to swallow water may trigger these effects in the victim despite severe thirst.

Very Advanced Symptoms

• Late symptoms are paralysis, spasms of the throat muscles, convulsions and delirium. Confusion and agitation progress in the later stages of the disease. Eventually, coma and death can result. Cause of death can range from blockage of airways, seizures, exhaustion or widespread paralysis. Paralysis usually begins in the affected limb and travels throughout the body as the disease becomes more prominent. Treatment for patients at this stage is mainly concerned with keeping them as comfortable as possible since there are no other options.