Rabies is a viral disease that leads to encephalitis in humans and mammals, historically known as hydrophobia due to victims’ fear of water. Early symptoms include fever and unusual sensations, progressing to nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled movements, confusion, and loss of consciousness, with a near-certain fatality once symptoms appear. The incubation period varies from one week to over a year, depending on the virus’s travel distance to the central nervous system.
Caused by lyssaviruses, rabies spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals, with dogs being the primary source globally. In the Americas, bat bites are more common. Prevention includes animal control, vaccination for high-risk individuals, and post-exposure treatments like the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin if administered before symptoms arise. Washing bites with soap and water may also help reduce transmission.
Rabies causes around 59,000 deaths annually, predominantly in Africa and Asia, affecting mainly children under 15. It is prevalent in over 150 countries and is classified as a neglected tropical disease. The estimated global cost of rabies is about $8.6 billion per year, encompassing lost lives, medical care, and psychological trauma.
