Rabies in Humans
19th November 2008 by Symptoms of Rabies No CommentsRabies in Humans – Is this Possible?
Yes, humans are also susceptible to rabies if infected by the rabid virus. The rabid virus can infect any human through the bite of a wild animal carrying the virus or when a pet carrying the rabid virus bites the owner. Rabies in humans, while being possible, can be cured. Also, rabies in humans can be prevented and avoided if a person knows the different situations where he can acquire them.
Rabies, being a viral infection, can easily be passed on upon contact and it attacks the victim’s nervous system. If the rabid animal’s saliva gets in direct contact with broken skin (either in animal or human victims), then, the rabies virus can be passed on. An undetected rabies infection can be fatal even to humans so it is of utmost importance to have early rabid detection and prevention.
Rabies in humans can be prevented through vaccinations. Those who are most susceptible to rabies are those whose work makes them in direct contact to wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes.
The symptoms of rabies in humans include headache, irritability, pain, twitching at the infected site, and fever. As the rabies virus spreads, there is an increased difficulty in the victim’s breathing, swallowing and foaming at the mouth. The last stages of the rabies virus attack which may take up to a few days include convulsions, hallucinations, and seizures. Paralysis of different body parts lead to full body paralysis which then culminates in the victim’s death.
