How does rabies manifest after a dog bite in humans? - briefly
Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including dogs. In humans, the initial symptoms may include fever and headache, followed by progressive neurological signs such as confusion, agitation, and paralysis.
How does rabies manifest after a dog bite in humans? - in detail
Rabies, a viral infection transmitted through animal bites, is a serious and often fatal disease if left untreated. When contracted from a dog bite, the clinical manifestations in humans can be categorized into three phases: the prodromal phase, the acute neurological phase, and the coma or death phase.
The prodromal phase, which lasts for 2 to 10 days, is characterized by non-specific symptoms that may include fever, headache, fatigue, and general malaise. The bite site might also exhibit localized pain, itching, or a tingling sensation. During this initial stage, the patient may not associate these symptoms with rabies, making prompt diagnosis challenging.
As the disease progresses into the acute neurological phase, more specific and severe symptoms become apparent. This phase can last from 2 to 7 days and is marked by a triad of classic symptoms: hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of drafts or fresh air), and photophobia (intolerance to light). Other neurological signs may include agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, and paralysis. The patient might experience difficulty swallowing, leading to a fear of water, and changes in respiratory patterns due to aerophobia. These symptoms are indicative of the viral infection spreading to the central nervous system.
The final phase, often referred to as the coma or death phase, is characterized by progressive paralysis and coma. This stage can last from 24 hours to several days, culminating in respiratory failure and eventually death if medical intervention is not initiated. The mortality rate of rabies is nearly 100% once clinical symptoms appear, emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including vaccination and administration of immunoglobulin, is essential to prevent the onset of symptoms. If a dog bite occurs, immediate medical attention should be sought to assess the risk of rabies infection and initiate appropriate treatment measures.