Rab

Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. Early symptoms can include fever and tingling at the site of exposure. These symptoms are followed by one or more of the following symptoms: violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, an inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, the result is nearly always death. The time period between contracting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months, but can vary from less than one week to more than one year. The time depends on the distance the virus must travel along peripheral nerves to reach the central nervous system.

Cause

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a member of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae, order Mononegavirales. The virus is usually present in the nerves and saliva of a symptomatic rabid animal. The route of infection is usually, but not always, by a bite. In many cases, the infected animal is exceptionally aggressive, may attack without provocation, and exhibits otherwise uncharacteristic behavior.

Prevention

Rabies prevention is primarily about vaccination, either after exposure, known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), or before exposure. In many countries, domestic dogs are the major vector of rabies; exposures to dogs in such countries represent an increased risk of rabies transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination. This represents an estimated 1.5 million deaths prevented annually.

Treatment

Treatment after exposure can prevent the disease if given within a certain time period. This includes wound cleansing and immunization within a few hours after exposure. A series of injections are given over a 14-day period. In those who have been exposed to rabies, the rabies vaccine and sometimes rabies immunoglobulin are effective in preventing the disease if the person receives the treatment before the start of rabies symptoms.

Epidemiology

Rabies causes about 59,000 deaths worldwide per year, with 95% of these occurring in Asia and Africa. As of 2015, India, followed by China (approximately 6,000), has the most cases.

See also

• Rabies in animals
• Rabies transmission
• Rabies vaccine

Rab Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia