Overview
Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system transmitted through saliva from bites or scratches of infected animals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Symptoms
Fever, malaise, tingling at bite site Anxiety, agitation, confusion Hydrophobia, aerophobia, spasms Progressive paralysis and coma
Causes
Rabies virus transmitted by dogs, bats, and other mammals Exposure via bites, scratches, or mucous membrane contact with saliva
Diagnosis
Clinical history (animal exposure) Laboratory tests on saliva, skin biopsy, or CSF (specialised) Testing and observation of the animal when possible
Treatment
Immediate wound cleansing with soap and water Post-exposure prophylaxis: rabies vaccine series ± rabies immunoglobulin Symptomatic care if disease has developed (prognosis poor)