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Name of infection: Rabies

History: Rabies has been known for over 4,000 years. Ancient texts from Babylon mention people going mad after being bitten by animals. In 1885, Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine.

Interesting fact: Once symptoms start, rabies is almost always fatal. But it's 100% preventable with the right treatment after a bite.

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Rabies, Causes, SIgn and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

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Rabies is caused by a virus called Rabies lyssavirus.

It’s part of the Rhabdoviridae family.

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Spread through saliva of infected animals

Mainly through bites or scratches

Rare: through infected organs or inhalation (very rare)

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Rabies is a bullet-shaped virus.

It’s a normal (not retro) RNA virus.

It affects the nervous system, starting from the bite and traveling to the brain.

It doesn’t survive long outside a host and needs a warm-blooded animal to live.

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The virus mostly affects mammals.

Common carriers: dogs, bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.

Humans can get infected when bitten or scratched.

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Enters body through a bite or scratch.

Travels through the nerves to the spinal cord and brain.

Once in the brain, it causes brain swelling (encephalitis).

Then spreads to salivary glands – which helps it infect others through bites.

Virus is then spread when the infected animal bites another.

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Early symptoms (1–3 months after bite):

Fever, headache, muscle weakness, tiredness

Later symptoms:

Confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures

Difficulty swallowing, fear of water (hydrophobia)

Eventually leads to coma and death

Affected body parts: Brain and nervous system

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No cure after symptoms start

But if treated right after the bite, it’s preventable:

Rabies vaccine (4 doses over 2 weeks)

Rabies immunoglobulin (fast-acting antibodies)

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Usually diagnosed based on exposure (bite)

Lab tests:

Saliva test for viral RNA

Skin biopsy to check for virus in nerve cells

Blood test to find antibodies

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Vaccinate pets (especially dogs and cats)

Stay away from wild animals, especially if acting weird

Get preventive vaccines if you work with animals or travel to high-risk areas

After a bite: wash area with soap and water, and get medical help immediately