Rabies: The Deadly Disease You Should Never Ignore!
Rabies: The Deadly Disease You Should Never Ignore!
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Everything You Need to Know from Dr. Abel K Samuel Johnson (Deputy Medical Superintendent, Believers Hospital)
Rabies is one of the most dangerous and fatal infectious diseases known to humans. Unlike many other diseases, once symptoms appear, there is no cure, making prevention and early intervention crucial. The only way to survive a rabies exposure is to take immediate preventive measures before the virus spreads in the body.
Despite being a 100% preventable disease, rabies still causes tens of thousands of deaths worldwide every year, mainly due to a lack of awareness and delayed treatment.
Let's explore everything you need to know about rabies and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection caused by the rabies virus, which affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and, ultimately, death if untreated.
How Is Rabies Transmitted?
The virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually through:
🔹 Bites (most common)
🔹 Scratches from an infected animal
🔹 Licking of open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth)
Common Carriers of Rabies
🦇 Bats
🐶 Dogs (the primary carrier in many countries)
🐺 Foxes
🐒 Monkeys
🐕🦺 Stray or unvaccinated domestic pets
Why Is Rabies So Dangerous?
Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels through the nerves to the brain. This process may take weeks to months, depending on the bite location. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
🛑 This is why immediate treatment is necessary after any suspected exposure.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Scratched by an Animal?
If you have been bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal suspected to have rabies, follow these immediate steps:
1️⃣ Wash the Wound Immediately
🧼 Use soap and running water to wash the affected area thoroughly for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove as much virus as possible.
🧴 Apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or alcohol to disinfect the wound.
2️⃣ Seek Medical Attention Without Delay
Even if the wound appears small, DO NOT ignore it. A doctor will determine whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of life-saving rabies vaccinations.
3️⃣ Identify the Animal (if possible)
🐕 If it was a pet dog or cat, observe the animal for 10 days (if safe to do so). If it remains healthy, the risk of rabies is low.
🦊 If it was a wild or stray animal, assume high risk and seek treatment immediately.
Rabies Symptoms: What Happens If Left Untreated?
Symptoms usually appear 2–8 weeks after exposure, but they can develop sooner or take longer. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal.
Initial Symptoms (May Seem Harmless)
🔹 Fever, headache
🔹 Fatigue, weakness
🔹 Tingling or pain at the bite site
Advanced Symptoms (Deadly Stage)
🛑 Neurological symptoms (confusion, hallucinations, aggression)
🛑 Hydrophobia (fear of water) – Patients develop severe spasms when trying to drink water
🛑 Aerophobia (fear of air movement) – Even a gentle breeze can cause panic and spasms
🛑 Paralysis and coma – Eventually leading to death
👉 This is why preventive vaccination and immediate medical care are CRITICAL.
How Can You Prevent Rabies?
✅ 1. Get Vaccinated (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis - PrEP)
If you work with animals or frequently travel to areas with a high rabies risk, getting a rabies vaccine in advance can be life-saving.
✅ 2. Vaccinate Pets and Stray Animals
Ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies. If possible, support vaccination programs for stray animals in your area.
✅ 3. Avoid Animal Bites
❌ Never handle unknown or wild animals
❌ Do not provoke dogs or other animals
❌ Educate children on staying safe around animals
✅ 4. Immediate Action After Exposure
If bitten, wash the wound immediately and get the full series of rabies shots as recommended by a doctor.
The Life-Saving Rabies Vaccine: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been bitten or scratched, the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine is your only chance to prevent rabies.
📌 Rabies Vaccine Schedule After Exposure (PEP)
1️⃣ Day 0 – First dose + rabies immunoglobulin (if necessary)
2️⃣ Day 3 – Second dose
3️⃣ Day 7 – Third dose
4️⃣ Day 14 – Fourth dose
(🛑 Sometimes, a fifth dose on Day 28 is required.)
🔹 If treatment is started on time, rabies can be prevented 100%!
Key Takeaways: Protect Yourself from Rabies
✔ Rabies is 100% preventable but 100% fatal if untreated
✔ Wash bite wounds IMMEDIATELY with soap and water for 15 minutes
✔ Seek medical attention for the rabies vaccine WITHOUT DELAY
✔ Vaccinate your pets and avoid wild or stray animals
✔ Rabies symptoms are irreversible—prevention is the only cure!
Final Word from Dr. Abel K Samuel Johnson
"Rabies is a silent killer that people often ignore until it's too late. The good news? It’s 100% preventable! Always take immediate action after any potential exposure—because once symptoms begin, there’s no turning back. Stay informed, stay safe!"
If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, don’t wait—get medical help immediately!
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