Rabies
Rabies is a dreaded infectious disease that is spread due to a bite or saliva of an infected animal. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system and progressively damages the spinal cord and brain. If untreated, rabies is fatal. Rabies can be contracted from infected wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Sometimes domesticated animals such as cats and dogs can become infected unless they are vaccinated against rabies.
Symptoms of rabies appear within a month of exposure to an infected animal. The severity of the exposure and bite determine the appearance of symptoms. The patient suffering from rabies is likely to have fever and headache. There might confusion and hallucinations. A person suffering from rabies will have excessive salivation. There might be difficulty in swallowing. Fear of water (hydrophobia) is another symptom. Paralysis and breathlessness may result.
Testing for rabies includes blood and saliva tests and examination of the brain tissue and spinal fluid. The wound site must be carefully cleaned with a virus-killing cleanser. Treatment for rabies includes a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and five doses of rabies vaccine over a 28-day period. It is essential to be vaccinated with the rabies vaccine immediately after exposure. While the immune globulin is injected around the site of the bite, the rabies vaccine is injected into the upper arm.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccine is administered to persons who have been exposed to an infected animal. It is also given to persons at higher risk of exposure to rabies. Animal handlers, laboratory workers and veterinarians are usually vaccinated against rabies as they might be frequently in contact with rabid animals. Rabies vaccine helps the infected person's body start production of antibodies. While rabies immune globulin provide initial antibodies, the ones produced by the body provide lasting protection. The rabies vaccine is administered in 5 doses - days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Along with the first dose, the exposed person is given a shot of human rabies immune globulin. There might be mild reaction to the vaccine such as swelling and tendernes the site of the injection. There might be fever, nausea and headache.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis in an acute inflammation of the brain. Caused by herpes simplex virus, encephalitis causes cerebral edema thereby destroying nerve cells. This may lead to bleeding in the brain and brain damage. Encephalitis is often caused by the virus that causes mumps, measles, rabies, polio and rubella. Symptoms of encephalitis may begin with a stomach infection, headache and fever. It can also manifest in vomiting, drowsiness and clumsy gait. Severe headache and muscle paralysis or loss of consciousness are severe symptoms.
Brain MRI and CT scan of the head might be necessary to diagnose encephalitis. Serology tests and lumbar puncture and CSF examination might be done. Examination of the patient might show increased intracranial pressure, abnormal reflexes and mental confusion. The patient is given nutrition through fluids and anti-viral medicines such as acyclovir and foscarnet. Anti-seizures might be given. Antibiotics are prescribed in case the infection is caused by bacteria.
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