Rabies

Rabies is one of the deadliest viral diseases known to mankind. Caused by the rabies virus, it affects the central nervous system and, once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. The good news? Rabies is entirely preventable with timely medical intervention and proper awareness.

In this comprehensive blog, we will explore what rabies is, how it spreads, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. It primarily affects warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The virus attacks the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord—leading to inflammation, neurological damage, coma, and ultimately, death.

How Is Rabies Transmitted?

Rabies is usually transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva and nervous tissue of infected animals. In rare cases, it can enter the human body through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) or open wounds that come into contact with infected saliva.

Common modes of transmission:

• Dog bites (most common in India and many developing countries)

• Cat scratches

• Bites from wild animals like bats, raccoons, foxes, and monkeys

• Exposure to brain or nervous tissue of infected animals

Animals That Commonly Spread Rabies

The majority of human rabies cases come from domestic dogs. However, the following animals can also be carriers:

• Dogs

• Cats

• Bats

• Monkeys

• Raccoons

• Skunks

• Foxes

• Coyotes

Note: Rodents like squirrels, rats, and rabbits are rarely rabies carriers.

Stages of Rabies Infection

Rabies infection occurs in stages, starting from exposure to the appearance of symptoms:

1. Incubation Period

• Lasts from 1 week to 3 months (can be longer)

• No symptoms

• The virus slowly travels from the site of exposure to the central nervous system

2. Prodromal Stage

• Lasts 2–10 days

• Symptoms resemble flu:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Pain or tingling at the bite site

  • Fatigue and anxiety

3. Acute Neurological Stage

• Severe and alarming symptoms:

  • Hallucinations

  • Agitation

  • Difficulty swallowing (hydrophobia)

  • Excessive salivation

  • Muscle spasms

  • Seizures

  • Paralysis

4. Coma and Death

• Once clinical symptoms appear, death usually occurs within days

• Fatality rate is nearly 100%

Signs and Symptoms of Rabies

Early symptoms (within days of exposure):

• Fever

• Pain or itching at the wound site

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Anxiety

• Insomnia

Later symptoms (as the virus progresses):

• Confusion

• Hallucinations

• Agitation

• Muscle spasms

• Difficulty speaking and swallowing

• Hydrophobia (fear of water)

• Aerophobia (fear of drafts or fresh air)

• Coma

• Death

Diagnosing Rabies

Rabies is difficult to diagnose before symptoms appear, which is why clinical history (animal bite or scratch) and immediate medical evaluation are crucial.

Diagnostic methods include:

• Saliva testing (PCR for viral RNA)

• Skin biopsy from the neck

• Blood and spinal fluid antibody tests

• Postmortem brain tissue examination (in animals)

What to Do After an Animal Bite or Scratch

If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched by an animal, take immediate action:

Step 1: Wound Care

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes

• Use an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or alcohol

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the nearest healthcare center or diagnostic centre like Sparsh Diagnostic Centre for evaluation

Step 3: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

• A combination of rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is administered based on the exposure category

Rabies Exposure Categories (WHO Guidelines)

Category I:

• Touching or feeding animals

• Licks on intact skin
  Action: No PEP needed

Category II:

• Minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding
  Action: Immediate vaccination

Category III:

• Transdermal bites or scratches

• Licks on broken skin

• Exposure to saliva via mucous membranes
  Action: Vaccination + Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)

Rabies Vaccination

1. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Recommended for:

• Veterinarians

• Lab workers

• Animal handlers

• Travelers to high-risk areas

Schedule:

• 3 doses: Day 0, Day 7, Day 21 or 28

2. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

• Unvaccinated individuals:

  • 4 or 5 doses of vaccine (Days 0, 3, 7, 14, ±28)

  • Rabies Immunoglobulin (in Category III)

• Previously vaccinated:

  • 2 booster doses (Days 0 and 3)

  • No RIG required

Rabies in India: A Public Health Crisis

India reports the highest number of rabies deaths globally—about 20,000 annually, mostly due to dog bites. Factors include:

• Lack of public awareness

• Inadequate dog vaccination

• Poor access to healthcare in rural areas

Organizations like WHO and NCDC India have launched initiatives to eliminate rabies by 2030.

How to Prevent Rabies

For Individuals:

1. Vaccinate pets regularly

2. Avoid contact with stray or wild animals

3. Supervise children around animals

4. Don’t allow pets to roam unsupervised

5. Educate yourself and your family

6. Avoid provoking animals

For Pet Owners:

• Annual rabies vaccines for dogs and cats

• Maintain updated vaccination records

• Keep pets indoors or in fenced areas

Community Measures:

• Control stray dog population through sterilization

• Conduct mass vaccination campaigns

• Spread awareness in schools and rural communities

Rabies Myths vs Facts

The Role of Diagnostic Centres

Prompt diagnosis and timely vaccination are key to preventing rabies. Trusted diagnostic centres like Sparsh Diagnostic Centre provide:

• Rabies vaccination (Pre and Post-Exposure)

• Immunoglobulin therapy

• Lab testing

• Emergency wound care

• Pet vaccination support

• Community education programs

The “One Health” Approach to Rabies Prevention

Rabies control requires a multisectoral approach, involving:

• Human health services

• Animal health services

• Environmental health services

Key components include:

• Mass dog vaccination

• Public health education

• Availability of vaccines and RIG

• Surveillance and response systems

Rabies is 100% preventable but 100% fatal once symptoms appear. The key to prevention lies in awareness, education, vaccination, and rapid medical response. Whether you’re a pet owner, parent, traveler, or healthcare professional, staying informed can save lives.

At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we are committed to fighting rabies through awareness, vaccination services, and rapid post-exposure care. If you or someone you know has been bitten or scratched by an animal, don’t wait—visit us immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you survive rabies once symptoms appear?

Survival is extremely rare. Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms develop.

2. How soon after a bite should I get the rabies vaccine?

Immediately. The sooner the vaccine is administered, the more effective it is.

3. Is rabies curable?

No, there is no cure once clinical symptoms appear. Preventive vaccination is the only protection.

4. Can cats and monkeys transmit rabies?

Yes, all warm-blooded mammals, including cats and monkeys, can carry and transmit the virus.

5. Is there a test to confirm rabies in humans?

Yes, but it’s difficult and often not helpful once symptoms begin. Clinical diagnosis is prioritized based on history and symptoms.