Definition of Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system. Any mammal can get rabies, but it is most commonly found in wildlife.

Transmission

• Rabies is transmitted most frequently through the bite of a rabid animal. Although it is extremely rare, it is possible for rabies to be contracted when the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal comes into direct contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound of a person or other mammal.

Prevalence

• Most cases of rabies are reported in wildlife. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that less than 10 percent of reported rabies cases involve domestic animals.

Prevention

• The most basic way to prevent a rabies infection is to vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies. Also, if spending time in the wilderness, avoid direct contact with wild animals.

Symptoms

• Early symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, irritability and in some cases an uncomfortable sensation at the site of the bite. Advanced symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, partial paralysis, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, and convulsions. Eventually, the disease results in death.

Treatment

• Once the rabies virus has reached the central nervous system and symptoms begin to appear, there is no cure for the disease.