A Brief History of Rabies

Figure 1.1 The way of infection happen

Rabies is an infectious and contagious disease of the central nervous system. It has been known since the ancient days of 2300 B.C. This lethal virus still exists in almost all parts of the world. Once infected, and left untreated, this disease is usually lethal. The rabies virus is concentrated

in the saliva, mucous membranes and central nervous tissue of a rabid animal. Only humans, and other mammals, can become infected through a cut or scratch from an animal with rabies, or if the rabies virus comes in contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes.

There are two ways that rabies symptoms appear, dumb and furious. Both can cause abnormal behavior. Immediately prior to death, animals with furious rabies will appear to be ‘mad’: frothing at the mouth and biting anything that gets in their way. They may show extreme excitement and attack stationary things or animals. Bouts of furious rabies usually alternate with periods of depression. In dumb rabies, there is no ‘mad’ period. With dumb rabies, paralysis, usually of the lower jaw and a drooping head are the first signs of the disease. The paralysis quickly spreads to limbs and vital organs and death quickly follows. Animals with dumb rabies may become depressed and retreat to isolated places. Some may appear ‘tame’, having no fear of humans.

Figure 1.2 Infected Dog