What happens to a person when bitten by a rabid dog? - briefly
When bitten by a rabid dog, the virus enters the body through the wound and travels along the nerves to the brain, where it multiplies and causes inflammation of the nervous system. This leads to symptoms such as fever, headache, and hallucinations, eventually progressing to paralysis and death if left untreated.
What happens to a person when bitten by a rabid dog? - in detail
When a person is bitten by a rabid dog, several critical processes occur that can lead to severe health consequences if left untreated. Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically entering the body through a bite wound. The rabies virus belongs to the Lyssavirus genus and is highly neurotropic, meaning it targets and infects the nervous system.
Upon entry into the human body, the rabies virus begins its journey towards the central nervous system (CNS). Initially, the virus replicates in local muscle cells at the site of the bite before spreading to nearby nerves. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the distance between the bite wound and the CNS. The incubation period for rabies can range significantly, but it is typically 2-3 months.
Once the virus reaches the CNS, it starts to infect neurons and glial cells. The infection progresses from the peripheral nerves towards the brainstem and subsequently into other parts of the brain. The virus continues to replicate and spread within the nervous system, causing inflammation and damage to neural tissues.
As the infection advances, symptoms begin to manifest in the affected individual. The initial signs may include fever, headache, and general malaise. However, as the virus progresses deeper into the CNS, more specific neurological symptoms emerge. These can include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, and agitation. In some cases, patients may experience hallucinations or delusions.
One of the most distinctive features of rabies is hydrophobia, an intense fear of water often accompanied by spasms in the muscles of the throat when attempting to swallow. This symptom arises due to the virus's effect on the brainstem and can be extremely distressing for the patient.
As the disease progresses further, patients may experience paralysis, both partial and full. The paralysis typically begins in the bitten limb and spreads to other parts of the body as the virus continues to affect motor neurons. In the final stages of rabies, patients often lapse into a coma and eventually die due to respiratory failure.
It is crucial to note that once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal. However, proper post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent the onset of symptoms if administered promptly after a bite from a suspected rabid animal. This typically involves thorough wound cleaning and a course of vaccinations against the rabies virus.
In conclusion, being bitten by a rabid dog sets off a series of devastating events within the human body that can lead to severe neurological symptoms and ultimately death if not treated promptly. Understanding the progression of the disease is essential for recognizing the signs early and seeking immediate medical attention.