What could happen if a dog with rabies bites you? - briefly
If a dog infected with rabies bites you, the virus can enter your body through the saliva and potentially cause rabies, a severe neurological disease that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention for prompt treatment, which typically includes a series of vaccinations.
What could happen if a dog with rabies bites you? - in detail
If a dog with rabies bites you, several critical events could unfold. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, and it's almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Here’s what could happen:
Firstly, the rabies virus is transmitted through saliva, so a bite from an infected dog can introduce the virus into your body. The initial symptoms may not be immediately noticeable, as the incubation period can vary greatly, ranging from a few days to several years. However, once symptoms begin to manifest, they progress rapidly and irreversibly.
The early signs of rabies in humans include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease advances, more severe symptoms develop, such as insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (overproduction of saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). These symptoms are often accompanied by a heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and touch.
The most challenging aspect of rabies is that once clinical signs appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. There have been extremely rare cases where patients survived after receiving intensive care, but these instances are exceptional. Therefore, prompt medical attention is crucial if you suspect exposure to rabies.
If you are bitten by a dog with suspected or confirmed rabies, immediately clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Then, seek professional medical help without delay. A healthcare provider can administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which typically consists of a series of vaccinations along with immunoglobulin if available. This treatment is highly effective in preventing the onset of rabies symptoms if administered promptly after exposure.
In summary, being bitten by a dog with rabies sets off a sequence of events that can lead to severe neurological symptoms and ultimately death. Prompt medical intervention is essential for preventing the disease from progressing to its fatal stage.