Rabies

Overview

Rabies is a preventable but incurable acute zoonotic infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which can cause severe encephalitis in warm-blooded animals. In unvaccinated infected individuals, the outcome is almost always fatal once neurological symptoms appear. Early symptoms include fever and tingling at the wound site, while later stages may include violent behavior, uncontrollable excitement, fear of water, partial paralysis, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Symptoms

• Fear of water
• Fear of drafts
• Pharyngeal muscle spasm
• Agitation
• Drooling

Treatment

There is virtually no effective treatment once symptoms appear, and the fatality rate is extremely high. After a bite from a suspected animal, immediately wash the wound and seek medical care as soon as possible for rabies vaccination, with immunoglobulin injection when necessary.

Dietary advice

During post-exposure prophylaxis, a normal balanced diet is sufficient; follow medical advice for proper wound care.