What Is Rabies and How Does It Affect Humans?
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects both animals and humans. Caused by the rabies virus (a member of the Lyssavirus genus), it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus primarily targets the central nervous system (CNS), causing a condition known as rabies encephalitis, which leads to brain inflammation, coma, and death.
Once a person becomes symptomatic, recovery is extremely rare. However, rabies is 100% preventable through timely vaccination and proper wound care. That is why awareness and prompt action are critical.
What Causes Rabies?
Virus Transmission Through Infected Saliva
Rabies is caused by a virus that spreads through the saliva of infected animals. After entering the body, typically through a bite or scratch, the virus travels along peripheral nerves to the brain. Once in the CNS, it causes progressive and irreversible neurological damage.
Common Sources: Animal Bites and Scratches
The most common source of rabies transmission is animal bites. In India and many developing nations, dog bites account for more than 95% of human rabies cases. Other animals such as bats, cats, foxes, raccoons, and monkeys can also be carriers. In rare cases, the virus may enter the body through scratches or when infected saliva comes into contact with mucous membranes or open wounds.
Rare but Possible Non-Bite Transmission Routes
While bites are the most frequent transmission route, non-bite exposures, like organ transplants from an infected donor or aerosol exposure in labs, have been documented. These are extremely rare but underscore the need for strict control and awareness in high-risk environments.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Rabies
Early Symptoms: Fever, Headache, and Discomfort at Bite Site
Initial rabies symptoms can mimic common viral infections, making them easy to overlook. These include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pain, itching, or tingling at the site of the bite
This prodromal phase typically lasts 2–10 days after symptom onset.
Neurological Signs: Confusion, Agitation, and Hallucinations
As the virus spreads to the brain, neurological symptoms emerge:
- Confusion and anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Hydrophobia (fear of water due to painful spasms while swallowing)
- Aerophobia (fear of air drafts)
- Excess salivation
These signs mark the onset of furious rabies, the more common presentation.
Advanced Stage: Paralysis, Difficulty Swallowing, and Coma
In some cases, particularly with paralytic (dumb) rabies, patients do not display aggression or hallucinations. Instead, they develop:
- Gradual paralysis
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Eventually, coma and death
Once these symptoms appear, death usually occurs within days due to respiratory failure.
Rabies Prevention- How to Stay Safe
Avoiding Contact with Stray or Wild Animals
The best way to prevent rabies is to avoid contact with unknown or wild animals, especially in areas with high rabies prevalence. Teach children not to pet or provoke stray dogs or cats.
Importance of Timely Wound Cleaning and Medical Care
If you are bitten or scratched:
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
- Apply antiseptic like povidone-iodine.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if the wound appears minor.
Proper first aid can significantly reduce the viral load and improve treatment outcomes.
Pre- and Post-Exposure Vaccination for High-Risk Individuals
Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for:
- Veterinarians
- Animal handlers
- Wildlife workers
- Travelers to high-risk areas
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), involving a series of rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), is highly effective when started promptly after exposure. Missing or delaying PEP drastically increases the risk of rabies onset.
The Global Burden of Rabies
Worldwide Cases and Death Rates
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies causes over 59,000 human deaths every year, mainly in Asia and Africa. India accounts for approximately 36% of global rabies deaths, with children under 15 being the most affected group.
Regions with the Highest Prevalence
Countries with the highest rabies burden include:
- India
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ethiopia
- Myanmar
Most of these regions lack widespread access to vaccines and public education programs.
Global Health Initiatives for Rabies Elimination
In 2015, WHO and its partners launched the “Zero by 30” global strategic plan to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The approach includes:
- Mass dog vaccinations
- Improved access to human PEP
- Public awareness campaigns
- Strengthening health systems and surveillance
The Role of the Rabies Antibody Test in Diagnosis and Immunity Check
How the Test Measures Immunity Levels
The Rabies Antibody Test (also called the rabies virus neutralizing antibody or RVNA test) measures the level of protective antibodies in your blood. It checks whether you have sufficient immunity post-vaccination or after a suspected exposure.
When Testing Is Recommended After Vaccination or Exposure
The test is often used for:
- Confirming response to pre-exposure or post-exposure vaccination
- Evaluating high-risk individuals like veterinarians
- Assessing immunity in people with weakened immune systems
In India, it is commonly used in research and travel medicine clinics.
Using Results to Guide Booster Vaccine Decisions
The WHO recommends maintaining RVNA levels ≥0.5 IU/mL as protective. If your antibody levels are below this threshold, your doctor may recommend booster doses. Testing is especially helpful for those with interrupted PEP schedules or uncertain vaccination records.
Need to check your rabies protection status? Book a Rabies Antibody Test today and stay one step ahead.
Rabies Is 100% Preventable
Quick Action After Exposure Can Save Lives
Despite being nearly always fatal after symptom onset, rabies is one of the most preventable infectious diseases. Timely care, vaccination, and public awareness are the keys to eliminating rabies deaths globally.
Pair Preventive Measures with Timely Antibody Testing for Safety
Understanding rabies causes, recognizing early symptoms, and prioritizing prevention can save countless lives. When in doubt, take no risks, get evaluated, vaccinated, and tested. Especially if you are in a high-risk profession or region, regular antibody testing ensures that your immunity is intact.
