What Is the Outcome of Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through saliva and/or blood. The incidence of rabies in domesticated animals has decreased significantly as rabies vaccinations are mandatory for all registered pets.

Transmission

• Transmission of rabies most often occurs through a bite. Though rare, rabies can potentially be transmitted via topical exposure of any mucous membrane. (For example: the inside of the eye or the inside of the mouth.)

  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 90% of rabies cases are a result of a bite from a wild animal like a bat or raccoon.

Identification in Animals

• The most common way to confirm rabies in an animal is through a direct fluorescent anti-body test. The test must be performed after the animal is dead.

Symptoms

• Initially the symptoms for rabies are nondescripts: headache and general malaise. However, as the disease progresses neurological symptoms develop and escalate to hallucinations and delirium.

Treatment

• Once an individual contracts the rabies virus and the symptoms have begun to show, there is no treatment but palliative care. The patient is made as comfortable as possible.

  If caught before symptoms show, a series of injections may prevent the disease from developing.

Outcome

• The CDC has only documented 6 cases of humans surviving rabies once symptoms have developed.

  Immediate care for humans and preventative care for animals is essential.