Rabies is an acute viral disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system of its victims. It is a zoonotic disease, which means that it is transmitted between animals and humans, and several animal species appear to act as reservoirs for rabies. Rabies can also be completely prevented through vaccination, and if caught early, the condition can be treated. However, once rabies symptoms appear, the virus is usually deadly; few patients have survived an episode of rabies, despite the best efforts of physicians.
The word "rage" is taken directly from Latin, and means "rage", a reference to the acute neurological symptoms of some cases of end-stage rabies. The virus is classified as a Lyssavirus, in a group of viruses that tend to be rod-shaped or bullet-shaped. Rabies is transmitted through saliva, and it usually manifests itself in animals or humans who have been bitten by a victim of the disease. Saliva enters the skin through the bite, allowing the virus to enter the body.
Once infected, rabies can lie dormant for several weeks or even months. However, once the virus emerges, the patient quickly experiences a variety of symptoms, including fever, depression, confusion, muscle spasms, extreme thirst, loss of muscle tone, salivation, and sensitivity to light and touch. Some victims become hydrophobic, which means they are afraid of water. As the virus progresses, it causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and neurological symptoms progressively worsen.
Patients in the final stages of rabies may experience violent attacks and an altered level of consciousness. Aggression is classically associated with rabies, although it does not appear in all cases. Most treatments for rabies focus on analgesia when symptoms become so severe, and the patient is given pain relievers and muscle relaxants to improve seizures and associated pain.
Many animals can be vaccinated against rabies, and humans who are at risk of exposure can also be vaccinated. However, if vaccinated humans are bitten, they still require follow-up vaccinations to ensure the virus does not take hold and multiply. Someone who has never been vaccinated can still fight the disease with a series of shots after a bite. After any type of animal bite or puncture wound, it is an excellent idea to rinse the wound site and consult a doctor to determine whether or not follow-up treatment is necessary.
Most of the world experiences rabies with varying degrees of severity, although some island nations have managed to remain rabies-free. The importation of animals into these regions is strictly controlled, and many other countries have rigorous monitoring and vaccination programs to control the rabies problem.