Diseases
rabies
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Symptoms
- first symptoms of rabies are very similar to the flu and may last for days
- fever, headache, nausea ,vomiting, agitation, and anxiety
- confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty, swallowing, and excessive salivation
- fear brought on by attempts to drink fluids because of difficulty swallowing wat
- fear brought on by air blown on the face
Causes
- the rabies virus causes a rabies infection. the virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals. infected animals can spread the virus by biting another animal or a person.
- any mammal can transmit the rabies virus
Risk factors
- traveling or living in developing countries where rabies is more common
- working as a veterinarian
- working in a laboratory with the rabies virus
Diagnosis
- blood test.
- physical exam.
- medical history.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is rabies?
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
first symptoms of rabies are very similar to the flu and may last for days, fever, headache, nausea ,vomiting, agitation, and anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty, swallowing, and excessive salivation, fear brought on by attempts to drink fluids because of difficulty swallowing wat, fear brought on by air blown on the face
What causes rabies?
the rabies virus causes a rabies infection. the virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals. infected animals can spread the virus by biting another animal or a person.; any mammal can transmit the rabies virus
Which medicines are used for rabies?
rabies immune globulin
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