How long will a person live after being bitten by a rabid dog? - briefly
If not treated promptly and properly with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the incubation period of rabies can range from days to years, but once symptoms appear, survival is extremely rare, typically within 10 days.
How long will a person live after being bitten by a rabid dog? - in detail
The lifespan of an individual following a bite from a rabid dog is highly dependent on several factors, including the promptness and effectiveness of treatment received. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. However, with proper medical intervention, survival is possible.
Upon being bitten by a rabid dog, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. The incubation period for rabies can vary greatly, ranging from a few days to several years, but it is typically around 3-8 weeks. During this time, the virus travels from the bite site to the brain. Once symptoms manifest, the disease progresses rapidly, and death usually occurs within days.
The key to survival lies in prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes wound cleaning, administration of rabies immunoglobulin, and a series of rabies vaccinations. If PEP is initiated before symptoms appear, the chances of survival are significantly increased. The World Health Organization recommends that PEP should be started as soon as possible after a suspected exposure to rabies.
In cases where PEP is not administered or is delayed, the prognosis is grim. Once clinical signs of rabies develop, which may include fever, headache, weakness, and confusion, the mortality rate is almost 100%. Even with intensive care support, few individuals survive once symptoms have begun.
Therefore, the lifespan after a dog bite heavily depends on the timeliness and adequacy of medical treatment. Immediate intervention can prevent the onset of symptoms and save lives, while delayed or absent treatment leads to a nearly certain fatal outcome within days after symptom onset.