The Horrifying Effects of Rabies on Humans
Rabies is one of humanity’s oldest and most entrenched enemies. It is an unpredictable, untreatable and incurable virus that can have devastating effects on humans and other animals. This virus is spread to humans through animal bites and can cause severe physical and psychological symptoms ranging from violent hydrophobia to clinical depression. Here, we explore the grim fate of humans afflicted with rabies and discuss what needs to be done to combat this age-old virus.
What Is Rabies and How Is it Transmitted?
Rabies is an infectious virus caused by the Rabies Lyssavirus. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals and is spread to humans through bites. Typically, the animals most likely to transmit rabies are wild animals such as foxes, bats, raccoons and skunks. Domestic animals such as cats, dogs and ferrets, while not commonly carrying rabies, are also potential sources of infection.
What Does Rabies Do to Humans?
Once the virus enters the human body, it is capable of attacking the central nervous system, wreaking havoc across both the physical and psychological realms. The typical duration of rabies symptoms can take anywhere from two to twelve weeks to manifest.
The most common, and earliest, symptom of rabies is a tingling sensation at the site of the bite; this is followed by a severe fever and often, a severe headache. This initial phase of symptoms is often accompanied by a general feeling of malaise, muscle pain, incoherent speech and confusion.
If left untreated, a more severe phase of symptoms will arise, including violent hydrophobia and aerophobia. What this means is that the person afflicted with rabies will be unable to stand the sight (aerophobia) or the sound (hydrophobia) of water. This fear of water has been described as being excruciating and can last for days. Additionally, an affected person may have an irrational fear of bright lights and may become extremely sleepy and lethargic.
Finally, if left untreated, rabies’ most severe symptoms will occur, including violent and erratic behavior, hallucinations, delusions, extreme anxiety and depression, paranoia, delirium and, ultimately, death.
How to Prevent Rabies
Because rabies is an incurable and untreatable virus, prevention is key. Vaccines for pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets can greatly reduce the risk of contracting rabies. Additionally, avoiding contact with wild animals is recommended as it is a primary source of rabies infection.
Finally, if you are bitten by an animal, it is important to seek medical attention right away. If treated quickly, rabies can be prevented with a post-exposure vaccination; if left untreated, the prognosis is grim.
Rabies is one of humanity’s oldest and most entrenched enemies and is capable of wreaking havoc on both the physical and psychological realms. When it comes to rabies, prevention is the best cure. By vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking medical attention when bitten, rabies can be successfully combated and its grim fate of death and delirium avoided.