Rabies transmission

Rabies transmission is the process by which the rabies virus is spread from an infected animal to a human or another animal. This usually occurs through a bite from an infected animal, but can also occur through contact with the saliva of an infected animal on broken skin or mucous membranes.

Transmission

The primary mode of rabies transmission is through the bite and virus-containing saliva of an infected host. Although transmission has been rarely documented via other routes such as contamination of mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, nose, mouth), aerosol transmission, and corneal and organ transplantations.

Bite

The most common method of transmission of the rabies virus is through the bite of an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal, and when the animal bites another creature, the virus is transmitted.

Non-bite

Non-bite transmission of the rabies virus is less common, but can occur. This can happen if the saliva of an infected animal comes into contact with broken skin or the mucous membranes of another creature. This could occur if an infected animal licks an open wound or if the saliva comes into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Prevention

Prevention of rabies transmission involves avoiding contact with animals that may be infected with the rabies virus. This includes wild animals and animals that are behaving unusually. Vaccination of pets is also an important part of preventing rabies transmission.

Treatment

Once a person has been bitten by an animal that may be infected with the rabies virus, treatment should be sought immediately. This usually involves a series of vaccinations to prevent the virus from causing disease.

See also

• Rabies
• Rabies vaccine
• Rabies in animals

References

Rabies transmission Resources
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