From the Guidelines
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that presents with symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and fatigue, followed by neurological symptoms like agitation, aggression, confusion, and paralysis. The symptoms of rabies can be categorized into two main forms: furious rabies and paralytic rabies [ 1 ]. Furious rabies is characterized by hyperactivity, aggression, and a tendency to bite, while paralytic rabies is marked by weakness, paralysis, and a loss of coordination. As the disease progresses, patients may experience hydrophobia, which is a fear of water due to the painful spasms that occur when trying to swallow [ 1 ]. Other symptoms of rabies include:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Numbness or tingling around the bite wound
- Increased salivation
- Difficulty swallowing The disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prompt medical attention and postexposure prophylaxis crucial in preventing the development of rabies [ 1 ]. It is essential to note that the risk of infection must be accurately assessed, and administration of rabies postexposure prophylaxis is a medical urgency, not a medical emergency, but decisions must not be delayed [ 1 ].
From the Research
Symptoms of Rabies
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, treatment guidelines, and vaccination schedules, but do not discuss the symptoms of rabies.
Related Information
- The studies provided focus on the importance of timely and adequate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rabies, which is a fatal disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a series of intradermal or intramuscular rabies vaccinations, as well as rabies immunoglobulin in certain cases, as part of PEP 4, 5, 6.
- The studies highlight the need for education on indication for PEP and implementation of precise treatment guidelines in daily clinical practice 2, 3.
Key Points
- Rabies is a fatal disease that can be prevented with timely and adequate PEP 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- PEP consists of wound washing, administration of rabies immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies, and a series of vaccinations 5.
- The WHO recommends a 1-week, 2-site intradermal PEP schedule, which is safe, immunogenic, and cost-effective 6.