Though in the U.S. rabies infection is rare, the viral infection is responsible for nearly 50,000 deaths worldwide annually. The rabies virus is transmitted by a bite or a scratch from an infected bat, skunk, fox or raccoon. From there it attacks the central nervous system; if not treated timely the infection might prove to be fatal.

How Rabies Virus is transmitted?
Under majority of the circumstances, the rabies virus can spread through two categories of exposure. These are:

• Bite: A person can become infected through bite (skin penetration by teeth) of an infected animal containing rabies virus in its saliva.
• Nonbite: Rarely, the infected saliva may also get entry through moist skin surfaces (mucus membranes) or broken skin such as a bruise, cut, open wound or scratch.

Once the virus gets entry into the bloodstream, it can affect the surrounding muscles and move up to the nerves in the brain. However, it is suggested that contact with blood, feces or urine as well as petting or handling of an animal does not cause exposure to rabies virus.

Symptoms of Rabies
Early symptoms of rabies may cause headache, fever and extreme tiredness. As the disease progresses, it could lead to fear of water, hallucinations, seizures (convulsions), increased production of saliva, irritability or anxiety, confusion, muscle convulsion, difficulty speaking or swallowing, difficulty in sleeping and even paralysis of some parts of the body. The infection can lead up to death within days after the symptoms become visible.

In the advanced stage of the infection, one may have double vision, difficulty moving facial muscles, excessive production of saliva leading to ‘foaming at the mouth’, etc.

How to Know Whether the Animal is Infected or Not?
“Most animals behave oddly when they have rabies,” says Dr. Charles Rupprecht, lead researcher of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He further adds, “They may be really aggressive or they may be out and about in the day when they normally are out at night. Some people may not recognize such behaviour as unusual so the bottom line is people need to avoid coming into contact with wild or stray animals, period.”

Rabies Treatment
A series of shots given over a period of 30 days is considered very effective in preventing onset of symptoms in persons already exposed to rabies. Experts also suggest that other than avoiding stray or wild animals one may also want to vaccinate one’s pet against rabies.