What are the consequences if a person is bitten by a rabid dog? - briefly
If a person is bitten by a rabid dog, immediate medical attention is crucial. Without prompt treatment, the virus can spread rapidly through the nervous system, leading to encephalitis and ultimately death.
What are the consequences if a person is bitten by a rabid dog? - in detail
If a person is bitten by a rabid dog, the potential consequences can be severe and far-reaching. Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system, and once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, making bites particularly dangerous.
Immediately after being bitten by a rabid dog, the individual may not experience any symptoms. This initial period is known as the incubation phase, which can last for days to months, depending on the distance between the bite and the brain. During this time, the virus multiplies within the host's body and migrates towards the nervous system.
As the virus reaches the central nervous system, the first noticeable symptoms begin to appear. These initial signs may include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. However, as the disease progresses, more specific neurological symptoms emerge, such as insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). These symptoms are often accompanied by a fear of fresh air (aerophobia) and sometimes a fear of light (photophobia).
Rabies is a progressive disease, meaning that once symptoms start to appear, they will continue to worsen. The duration from the onset of symptoms to death can vary, but it typically ranges from days to weeks. In some cases, people may survive for months or even years after the initial infection, but these instances are rare and usually involve extensive medical intervention.
The fatality rate of rabies is extremely high—nearly 100% once clinical symptoms appear. This makes prompt treatment after a bite from a suspected rabid animal crucial. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the development of the disease if administered in time. PEP involves thorough cleaning of the wound, administration of human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG), and a series of rabies vaccinations over several days.
In conclusion, being bitten by a rabid dog carries serious health risks that require immediate medical attention. The progression of rabies from initial symptoms to death is rapid and almost invariably fatal, underscoring the importance of prompt intervention and prophylactic measures.