What happens if a dog bite transmits rabies? - briefly
If a dog bite transmits rabies, the virus travels through the saliva and into the wound, eventually reaching the brain. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on the distance between the bite site and the brain.
What happens if a dog bite transmits rabies? - in detail
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. If a dog bite transmits rabies, the virus travels from the site of the bite along the nerves to the brain. This journey can take anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on the distance between the bite and the brain. During this incubation period, there are no outward signs of infection.
Once the virus reaches the brain, it begins to replicate rapidly. This is when symptoms start to appear. The initial symptoms are often nonspecific and can include fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, more specific neurological symptoms develop, such as anxiety, confusion, aggression, hallucinations, and paralysis. These symptoms are a result of the virus causing inflammation and damage to the brain and nervous system.
In the final stage of rabies, known as the "furious" stage, victims may experience hydrophobia (fear of water) or aerophobia (fear of drafts or fresh air). This is due to the muscle spasms that occur in the throat when trying to swallow. Eventually, the virus causes respiratory failure and death.
The fatality rate of rabies is nearly 100% once symptoms appear. However, if prompt treatment is administered before symptoms develop, the disease can be prevented. This involves a series of vaccinations and, in some cases, administration of rabies immunoglobulin. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after any potential exposure to rabies, such as a dog bite.