Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing acute encephalitis. Transmitted by bites from infected animals, rabies is almost always fatal after the onset of symptoms, which include aggressiveness, hydrophobia and paralysis. Despite being an old and well-known disease, rabies still represents a major challenge to global public health, especially in regions with high populations of stray animals and lack of access to vaccines.
The History of Rabies: An Ancient Disease
Rabies is an ancient disease, with records of its existence dating back to ancient times. Throughout history, rabies has caused countless epidemics and pandemics, decimating entire populations and leaving a trail of terror and suffering. The disease is mentioned in ancient texts from Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece, and was known as hydrophobia due to the fear of water that affects patients.
Symptoms and Transmission: A Silent and Deadly Disease
Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family. The disease is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites, scratches, or licks on open wounds. The most common animals that transmit rabies are dogs, cats, bats, and wild animals such as foxes and raccoons.
Symptoms of rabies usually appear 20 to 90 days after exposure to the virus, but can take up to a year or more to manifest. Early symptoms are flu-like, such as fever, headache, and malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms begin to appear, including:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Aerophobia (fear of drafts)
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms appear. The mortality rate is nearly 100%, making it one of the deadliest diseases in the world.
Prevention and Treatment: The Importance of Vaccination
Rabies prevention is key to avoiding the disease. Vaccination of domestic animals and raising awareness of the risks of contact with wild animals are important measures to control the spread of the virus.
In the event of a bite or contact with an animal suspected of having rabies, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Post-exposure treatment (PEP) includes cleaning the wound, administering rabies immunoglobulin, and rabies vaccination. PEP is highly effective if administered soon after exposure to the virus, but loses its effectiveness after symptoms appear.
Rabies in the World: An Ongoing Challenge
Rabies is an endemic disease in many countries, with cases recorded in several regions. Vaccination of domestic animals is mandatory in many cities, but wild rabies, transmitted by bats and other wild animals, still represents a challenge to public health.
Awareness of the risks of rabies and the importance of vaccination are essential to control the disease and protect the population. The search for new vaccines and more effective treatments is also a priority for scientific research.
Rabies, despite being an old disease, continues to be a threat to global health. Prevention and timely treatment are the best ways to combat this deadly disease and protect humanity.
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