Rabies is defined as a serious viral infection that affects the central nervous system and can develop into death. Infection most often occurs as a result of a bite or scratch from animals infected with rabies. Animals that carry this virus include: dogs (which are the most common cause of human catching this infection), monkeys, cats, and bats.

 

During the initial stage of rabies, early flu-like symptoms appear, which include fever (38°C or higher), headache, anxiety, sore throat, cough, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms can last from 2 to 10 days, and get worse over time.

Then neurological symptoms develop and appear in the form of confusion and aggression, paresis, involuntary muscle twitching and stiffness in the neck muscles, convulsions, excessive or difficult breathing, excessive saliva secretion, fear of water due to difficult swallowing, hallucinations, nightmares, insomnia, photophobia and near the end of this stage, breathing becomes rapid and irregular.

 

What should you do if you are bitten or injured by any animal? You should head to the nearest hospital or care unit, where the care provider determines the stage of risk, and the most appropriate treatment protocol for your condition, whether through immediate vaccination, vaccine, or immune serum.