Rabies in Humans
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What is Rabies?
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system
(brain and spinal chord). It is almost always fatal once the symptoms
develop. People and animals can get rabies when they are bitten or scratched
by an animal that has rabies.
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What are the signs and symptoms?
Early symptoms include headache, fever, and sometimes pain at the
site of the bite or scratch.
- Later as the virus gets to the brain,
crankiness, confusion, paralysis , and difficulty in swallowing may
develop. As the disease advances, the
person goes into a coma and dies.
- Symptoms usually start 30 to 90 days after a
bite.
How is it spread?
The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal
(usually foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats). It is usually spread to humans by
animal bites or scratches.
What can people do?
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:
- Wash the site of any animal bite with soap and
water.
- Tell an adult
- See a doctor immediately
- Call the Health Department
- Rabies can be treated with a vaccine
- Do not handle any wild animals, especially bats
or friendly looking wild animals.
- Vaccinate your pets
against Rabies and keep vaccinations up to date.
Rabies must be reported to the local Medical Officer of Health
under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Health Information Line
at
the Brant County Health Unit 519-753-4937 extension 259
Revised 08/2009
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 October 2009 )
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Health Topics