RABIES

Rabies = Disease

Rabies = virus

Single stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus

All species of domestic and wild mammals are susceptible to Rabies

Transmitted via saliva of infected mammal. Usually via bite rarely from infected mammal licking an open human wound.

Incubation period typically 2-12 weeks (4 days to 6 years)

Signs and Symptoms:

Fever, headache, weakness, sensation of tingling, burning, or coldness at site of bite, insomnia, confusion, partial paralysis, hallucination, agitation, difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia (fear of water).

Once signs and symptoms begin death usually within 2-10 days. Only 10 have survived and only 2 had not have treatment.

People at high risk for Rabies should get the Rabies vaccine (100% effective)

Post-exposure treatment 5 shots in shoulder muscle (immunoglobulin) and administer rabies vaccine if unvaccinated

Rabies vaccine for those at risk (98% effective)

55,000 deaths worldwide/yr. (most in Asia and Africa), 97% from dog bites

Medical School Rabies Training Video: