| Health / Medical Topics |
Rabies
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A disease of the nervous system caused by the rabies virus. Rabies is marked by an increase in saliva production, abnormal behavior, and eventual paralysis and death. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
A life-threatening viral infection caused by the neurotropic Rabies virus. It is transmitted to humans usually from a bite by an infected dog. The initial signs and symptoms include malaise, fever, and headache, followed by the central nervous system manifestations which include abrupt behavioral changes. Paralysis, lethargy, and coma follow the behavioral changes. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Rabies is a deadly animal disease caused by a virus. It can happen in wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes, or in dogs, cats or farm animals. People get it from the bite of an infected animal.
In people, symptoms of rabies include fever, headache and fatigue, then confusion, hallucinations and paralysis. Once the symptoms begin, the disease is usually fatal. A series of shots can prevent rabies in people exposed to the virus. You need to get them right away. If an animal bites you, wash the wound well; then get medical care.
To help prevent rabies
• Vaccinate your pet. Rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats and farm animals
• Don't let pets roam
• Don't approach stray animals. Animals with rabies might be aggressive and vicious, or tired and weak (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
