What symptoms occur if a rabid dog bites a person? - briefly
If a rabid dog bites a person, the initial symptoms typically include pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite. Over time, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fever, headache, and in advanced stages, hydrophobia, which is a fear of water, and difficulty swallowing.
What symptoms occur if a rabid dog bites a person? - in detail
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. When a person is bitten by a rabid dog, the virus is transmitted through the saliva and enters the body through the bite wound. The incubation period, which is the time between the bite and the onset of symptoms, can vary widely, typically ranging from a few days to several months, but it can be as short as a week or as long as a year or more. The incubation period depends on the location and severity of the bite, as well as the individual's immune response.
The initial symptoms of rabies in humans are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for other illnesses. These early symptoms include fever, headache, and general weakness. As the virus progresses, more specific neurological symptoms begin to appear. These can include:
- Insomnia, or the inability to sleep.
- Anxiety and agitation.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Abnormal behavior, such as hallucinations and delirium.
- Hydrophobia, which is an intense fear of water. This is one of the most characteristic symptoms of rabies and occurs because the muscles in the throat spasm when the person attempts to drink, making swallowing difficult and painful.
- Aerophobia, or a fear of drafts or fresh air, which can also cause spasms in the throat muscles.
- Excessive salivation and sweating.
- Paralysis, which typically starts in the bitten area and progresses to the rest of the body.
- Convulsions and seizures.
As the disease advances, the person may fall into a coma and eventually die, usually due to respiratory failure. There is no effective treatment for rabies once symptoms appear, which is why prevention through immediate medical attention and vaccination is crucial. If a person is bitten by a dog suspected of having rabies, they should seek medical attention immediately. The wound should be thoroughly cleaned, and a series of rabies vaccinations should be administered. In some cases, a treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be given to prevent the onset of symptoms if administered promptly. This typically involves a dose of human rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccines. Prompt and appropriate medical intervention can prevent the development of rabies and save the person's life.