What happens if a dog bites a human and has rabies? - briefly
If a dog with rabies bites a human, the rabies virus can be transmitted, leading to a fatal infection if immediate post-exposure prophylaxis is not administered.
What happens if a dog bites a human and has rabies? - in detail
When a dog infected with rabies bites a human, the rabies virus, which is present in the saliva of the infected animal, enters the human body through the wound. Rabies is caused by the Lyssavirus, a neurotropic virus that targets the central nervous system. Once the virus enters the body, it travels along peripheral nerves toward the brain and spinal cord. The incubation period can vary widely, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on factors such as the location of the bite, the severity of the wound, and the distance the virus must travel to reach the central nervous system. During this period, the individual may not experience any symptoms. However, once the virus reaches the brain, it begins to replicate rapidly, leading to the onset of clinical symptoms. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and discomfort or tingling at the site of the bite. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms develop, such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and hydrophobia (fear of water). The virus also causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to paralysis, seizures, and coma. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost invariably fatal, with death typically occurring within days due to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. Immediate medical intervention is critical after a rabies exposure. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves thorough wound cleaning, administration of rabies immunoglobulin to neutralize the virus at the site of the bite, and a series of rabies vaccinations to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. If PEP is administered promptly and correctly, it is highly effective in preventing the onset of rabies. However, if treatment is delayed or not administered, the disease progresses irreversibly, leading to a fatal outcome. Rabies is a preventable disease, and vaccination of domestic animals, along with public awareness and prompt medical care, is essential to reduce the risk of transmission to humans.