Rabies is a deadly viral disease caused by the rabies virus, part of the Lyssavirus group. It primarily targets the central nervous system and is mainly transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, often via bites. Once clinical symptoms manifest, rabies is nearly always fatal. However, the disease can be entirely prevented with timely and appropriate post-exposure treatment.
The rabies virus typically enters the human body through broken skin or mucous membranes, usually after an animal bite or scratch. It then slowly travels along peripheral nerves to the brain. The incubation period varies, lasting from a few weeks to several months, influenced by factors such as the bite's location and the viral load introduced. Initial symptoms can mimic common illnesses, including fever and headache.
As the disease progresses, severe neurological symptoms can arise, including anxiety, hydrophobia, paralysis, and ultimately, cardio-respiratory failure.
Immediate and thorough washing of the wound with soap and running water can significantly reduce the viral load at the entry site. Post-exposure prophylaxis includes anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin, as necessary. When administered correctly and without delay, this treatment is nearly 100% effective in preventing the onset of rabies.
In India, dogs are responsible for the vast majority of human rabies cases. Children, daily-wage workers, and the urban poor are at the highest risk of exposure. Major contributors to rabies-related deaths include persistent gaps in public awareness, timely access to healthcare, and the affordability of treatment. The situation highlights systemic challenges within primary healthcare delivery, animal population management, and urban governance.
Rabies is often viewed as a disease of neglect, disproportionately affecting populations with limited access to healthcare services. It places a significant financial burden on families due to repeated hospital visits and treatment costs. Effective elimination of rabies requires coordinated efforts involving the health sector, municipal authorities, and animal welfare systems, alongside sustained public education and mass dog vaccination campaigns.
Q1. Is rabies contagious from person to person?
Answer: Human-to-human transmission of rabies is extremely rare and does not pose a significant public health risk.
Q2. Can rabies be cured after symptoms appear?
Answer: No, once clinical symptoms develop, survival is extremely unlikely.
Q3. Is vaccination required after every dog bite?
Answer: Yes, unless the biting animal is kept under observation and certified healthy based on medical advice.
Q4. Why is rabies still common in India?
Answer: Rabies remains prevalent due to uneven dog vaccination coverage, limited public awareness, and inconsistent access to timely medical care.
Q5. Is rabies elimination possible in India?
Answer: Yes, rabies can be eliminated through mass dog vaccination, strong primary healthcare systems, and sustained public education efforts.
Question 1: What is the primary cause of rabies?
A) Bacteria
B) Virus
C) Fungus
D) Parasite
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which animal is most commonly associated with rabies transmission?
A) Cats
B) Bats
C) Dogs
D) Cattle
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is considered an effective immediate response to a rabies exposure?
A) Applying ice to the wound
B) Washing the wound with soap and water
C) Ignoring the wound
D) Applying a bandage
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the incubation period for rabies?
A) 1-3 days
B) 1-2 weeks
C) A few weeks to several months
D) 1 year
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is a key public health challenge in rabies management in India?
A) High vaccination rates
B) Limited awareness and access to treatment
C) Abundant healthcare facilities
D) Excessive funding for healthcare
Correct Answer: B
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