RABIES PATHOGEN:

Rabies is caused by a “bullet” shaped virus which contains a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome and belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae.

RESERVOIR(S):

In the US, extensive reservoirs of rabies virus exist in many diverse wild animal species. The most common species that serve as reservoir hosts for the virus are bats, raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. Most mammals are susceptible to rabies infections.

TRANSMISSION:

The most common route of transmission is through the bite or contact with virus-containing saliva of an infected animal; however, other routes of transmission have been documented – contamination of mucous membranes (i.e. nose, mouth) and aerosol transmission, such as inhalation of dried bat guano.

DISEASE:

The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of infected animals. The virus enters the wound and replicates in the damaged tissue. From there, the virus can travel to adjacent nerve endings and eventually into the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death.

The early symptoms of rabies in humans are generally nonspecific, flu-like symptoms and include fever, headache, and malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, hallucinations, and agitation.

It is extremely rare for people with symptoms to survive the disease. In most cases, those who have survived clinical rabies had a history of either pre- or post-exposure vaccination. For this reason, it is of vital importance to seek medical attention immediately after a possible exposure.

TREATMENT:

Treatment includes thorough (at least 15 minutes) deep cleaning of the wounds with soap and disinfectant (1% benzalkonium chloride or 1% povidone iodine)

Administration of the rabies vaccine

Administration of human rabies antiserum (immune globulin). VACCINE:

The rabies vaccine is a dead, inactivated vaccine and is administered prophylactically only to persons at high risk and post-exposure to individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

Vaccination of domestic pets helps reduce the reservoir population for the virus and decreases the likelihood of human disease.