A man dies in Louisiana after being bitten by a rabid vampire — bat, that is. It sounds like an episode of “True Blood,” HBO’s series that follows the fictional doings of Louisiana vampires.

But no, this was an actual missive from Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the journal of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covering all things infectious and deadly.

Death by rabies has become exceedingly rare in the United States, averaging one or two cases a year. Still, this man’s death is a reminder that rabies is still very much with us, and can be deadly when a person doesn’t get treatment soon after being bitten by a rabid animal.

Rabies is most commonly spread in the United States by raccoons, followed by plain old insect-eating bats, skunks, and foxes. In recent years most human rabies cases have been caused by bat bites. just four human deaths were recorded in 2009, and this one in 2010.

That’s a big change from the early 1900s, when more than 100 people died each year from rabies. Vaccination of pets and swift post-bite treatment with rabies vaccine is credited with reducing the human toll.

The vampire bat victim, first reported last week, was a 19-year-old migrant farm worker from Mexico. He died a year ago in a new Orleans hospital after being infected by a bite in his home country. his case was was the first report of human rabies caused by a vampire bat in the United States.

People wondering if this is the beginning of a trend can rest easy, at least for now. Vampire bats live in Latin America, and haven’t yet made it to this country.

Doctors at first thought this man’s symptoms of weakness in his left hand and drooping left eyelid were caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome, in which the body’s immune system attacks nerves. But as the man grew sicker, doctors began to suspect rabies. Tests after he died on August 21, 2010, determined that the rabies virus had come from a vampire bat. It usually takes about 85 days for symptoms to appear after a person has been bitten by a rabid animal.

Vampire bats eat about two tablespoons of blood a day. NPR’s Joe Palca reported earlier this month that the vampire bats find their victims by using specialized nerve cells on their faces that sense the warmth of blood under the skin.

To avoid potentially deadly encounters with rabid animals, the CDC recommends making sure all pets are vaccinated, and to avoid contact with wild animals. If you are bitten by an animal and have any rabies symptoms, it’s crucial to seek treatment immediately.

Rabies virus is a serious and deadly disease, so pet owners should be aware of the dangers and laws concerning rabies.

Rabies is a virus that is passed between mammals, including humans. the main reservoir hosts of rabies virus include: bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. (Although not impossible, opossums and rodents rarely carry the rabies virus). the virus is usually transmitted by bite wounds, or sometimes by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. it is not transmitted through the blood. the virus enters the tissues, and uses the peripheral nervous system to move toward the central nervous system. Eventually, the virus reaches the brain, where it leads to encephalitis causing death.

The timeline of progression from bite to death can vary greatly. usually, incubation from the time of the bite to onset of symptoms is about 3-12 weeks, but can be as long as a two years. Once the virus has reached the brain and neurological symptoms are present, death will result in 7-10 days. it is only during this 7-10 day period of time that the virus can be transmitted to other mammals.

Worldwide, approximately 55,000 people die each year of rabies. most of these deaths are in Asia and Africa, but a few humans die each year in the United States from rabies virus. there have only been 6 humans known to survive after having been infected with rabies, and 5 of those were left with severe brain damage. in 2006, a study by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) indicated that 113,000 animals were submitted that year for rabies testing, and 6,940 of those were positive for rabies. Wild animals accounted for 92% of the positive cases, and domestic pets accounted for 8%.

Since the virus is a public health concern, there are many regulations concerning the vaccination of domestic pets, testing and treatment for bite victims, and special circumstances involving strays or unclaimed animals.

In the state of Arkansas, all dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated at 12 weeks, a booster one year later, then every third year.. (Domestic caged pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits do not require vaccination, and bites from these pets are not considered a rabies risk). Wild kept mammals may be vaccinated, but their rabies certificate must state that the efficacy of the vaccine is unknown. (Skunks and bats from the wild are prohibited to keep as pets). To be legally recognized, a licensed veterinarian should administer the rabies vaccination. This will provide you with a tag and certificate proving vaccination status. Some individual local governments may then require your pet to be registered with the city as well.

If a pet bites someone, certain state laws apply. the pet may be placed in quarantine or euthanized and rabies tested when the bite occurs on the head/face, or involves very deep/multiple wounds. during these circumstances, the physician and state health officials have the authority to determine the safest plan of action for the victim, and to choose between quarantine or testing. if the pet is current on its rabies vaccination, this weighs heavily in the final disposition of your pet.

The quarantine period consists of a ten-day period of strict isolation from humans and other animals. the facility must be approved by animal control, and must include before and after examinations by a veterinarian. after the ten-day period, if the dog has shown no neurological symptoms of rabies, the dog will be vaccinated, if needed, and released. the quarantine, and subsequent vaccination will be at the owner’s expense. Additional penalties and fees may apply depending on local laws.

If the owner chooses not to quarantine, the dog will be humanely euthanized, and the brain tissue will be sent to the state lab for evaluation. there is no cost for the rabies testing, but the euthanasia and other applicable fees by the veterinarian will be at the owner’s expense.

All wild animals, or unclaimed strays that bite a human will be euthanized and tested immediately. in this scenario, the victim will be responsible for all applicable charges.

In any scenario, any person receiving a bite wound from any domestic or wild animal should seek medical attention. they may need to receive rabies post-exposure treatments. if the bite is from a wild animal, trapping or killing it to send for rabies testing is very helpful in determining a prognosis. the head/brain should not be damaged, and should be kept refrigerated (not frozen). Persons should not risk additional bites trying to capture the animal.

DEFINITION
An acute viral infection affecting the nervous system of animals. it can be transmitted to humans by a bite or the exposure of broken skin to the animal’s saliva
CAUSES, INCIDENCE, AND RISK FACTORS
Rabies is transmitted by infected saliva that enters the body by a bite or open wound. the virus travels from the wound along nerve pathways to the brain where it causes inflammation that result in the symptoms of the disease. the incubation period ranges from 10 days to 7 years, with the average period 3 to 7 weeks. in the past human cases usually resulted from a dog bite but most recently cases of human rabies have been linked to rabies virus carried by bats. Bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and other animals are other sources of rabies victims. the threat of rabies causes extreme fear on the part of people who think they may have been exposed and health care workers who must contend with possible exposures. in new Hampshire, October of 1994, an unknown number of individuals were exposed to a rabid kitten. because exposure could not be well documented 665 individuals received rabies post-exposure prophylaxis at a cost of $1.5 million. This was an extreme reaction by the public to possible exposure. the Centers for Disease Control is presently making recommendations to help prevent unnecessary treatment in questionably exposed individuals.
PREVENTION
Prevention depends upon enforcement of the following public health policies:
- vaccination of dogs every 2 years where rabies exists in wild animals
- vaccination of people in high-risk occupations
- quarantine regulations on importing dogs and other mammals in disease-free countries
SYMPTOMS
- bite by animal, bug, self or others
- dog bite, bat bite, or bite by a skunk, raccoon, or fox (most common animals to transmit)
- low-grade fever (102 F or lower)
- pain at the site of the bite
- swallowing difficulty (thinking produces spasms of the larynx) or swallowing difficulty with liquids only
- restlessness
- excitability
- muscle spasms
- convulsions
- numbness and tingling
- loss of muscle function
- loss of feeling in an area of the body
- drooling
- anxiety, stress, and tension
- positive Babinski’s reflex
SIGNS AND TESTS
If a person has a history of animal bite, the animal will be observed for signs of rabies. Immuno-fluorescence (fluorescent antibody test) performed on the suspect animal may show that the animal has rabies.
PreventionBecause rabies is almost always fatal, prevention is the only reasonable approach, and all exposures must be evaluated individually. Immunization of household dogs and cats and active immunization of persons with significant animal exposure (e.g., veterinarians) are important. the most important common decisions, however, concern animal bites.In the developing world, education, surveillance, and animal (particularly dog) vaccination programs are preferred over mass destruction of dogs, which is followed typically by invasion of susceptible feral animals into urban areas.Local Treatment of Animal Bites and ScratchesThorough cleansing, debridement, and repeated flushing of wounds with soap and water are important. Rabies immune globulin or antiserum should be given as stated below. Wounds caused by animal bites should not be sutured.Post-exposure ImmunizationTherapy is indicated when the disease is seriously under consideration. the decision to treat should be based on the circumstances of the bite, including the extent and location of the wound, the biting animal, the history of prior vaccination, and the local endemicity of rabies. Any contact or suspect contact with a bat is usually deemed a sufficient indication to warrant prophylaxis. Consultation with state and local health departments is recommended. Post-exposure treatment including both immune globulin and vaccination, should be administered as promptly as possible when indicated.The optimal form of passive immunization is rabies immune globulin (20 IU/kg). As much as possible of the full dose should be infiltrated around the wound, with any remaining injected intramuscularly at a site distant from the wound. if immune globulin (human) is not available, equine rabies antiserum (20–40 IU/kg) can be used if available (it was last produced in 2001) after appropriate tests for horse serum sensitivity. An inactivated human diploid cell rabies vaccine (HDCV) is given as five injections of 1 mL intramuscularly (in the deltoid rather than the gluteal muscle) on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after exposure.Several cell culture vaccines are available and are preferable to embryonated tissue vaccine (e.g., duck embryo vaccine; DEV) because of better antigenic response and fewer systemic reactions. HDCV availability and cost limit its use in the developing world.Rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine (HDCV) should never be given in the same syringe or at the same site. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare, though local reactions (pruritus, erythema, tenderness) occur in about 25% and mild systemic reactions (headaches, myalgias, nausea) in about 20% of recipients. the vaccine is commercially available or can be obtained through health departments. for patients who previously received preexposure or postexposure vaccine, rabies immune globulin should not be given; vaccine, 1 mL in the deltoid, should be given twice (on days 0 and 3).In other countries, the less costly inactivated DEV or mouse brain vaccine may be available, but the method of administration is more complex, the rate of allergic reactions—including ascending paralysis—is higher, and the efficacy is lower.Exposure to rabies still requires postexposure vaccination, even if preexposure vaccination was received, but the need for immune globulin is eliminated (rabies immune globulin is in short supply worldwide).Neither the passive nor the active form or postexposure prophylaxis is associated with fetal abnormalities and thus pregnancy is not considered a contraindication to vaccination.Preexposure ImmunizationPreexposure prophylaxis with three injections of HDCV intramuscularly (1 mL on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28) or intradermally (0.1 mL on days 0, 7, and 28, over the deltoid) is recommended for persons at high risk of exposure: veterinarians (who should have rabies antibody titers checked every 2 years and be boosted with 1 mL intramuscularly or 0.1 mL intradermally if seronegative); animal handlers; laboratory workers; Peace Corps workers; and travelers to remote areas in endemic countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. An intradermal route is available for preexposure prophylaxis only. Immunosuppressive illnesses and agents including corticosteroids as well as antimalarials—in particular chloroquine—may diminish the antibody response.TreatmentThis very severe illness with an almost universally fatal outcome requires intensive care with attention to the airway, maintenance of oxygenation, and control of seizures. Universal precautions are essential. other modalities of therapy that may be beneficial include a combination of rabies vaccine, rabies immune globulin, monoclonal antibodies (investigational), ribavirin, interferon-, amantadine, and ketamine. Corticosteroids are of no use.EXPECTATIONS (PROGNOSIS)
If immunization is given within 2 days of the bite, rabies is usually prevented. once the symptoms appear, few people survive the disease. Death from respiratory failure usually occurs within 7 days. COMPLICATIONS
- allergic reaction to rabies vaccine (rare)
- death from respiratory failure 
Courtesy:Compiled and Shared By: Habib Anwar 

Rabies is a fatal infection caused by a virus affecting the brain and nervous system. It affects almost all animals and human beings. Human beings get the infection usually through the saliva of the affected animal. in developing countries the infection is usually through the bite of a dog since the dogs are not systematically vaccinated. in the United States the Rabies spreads by bats. The disease has been eradicated by means of regular vaccination and eradication programmes and hence the incidence of rabies in United States of America is rare. However in developing countries it is still existing and spread of the disease is usually due to a dog bite. Rabies is having zoonotic importance since it spreads from animals to human beings. therefore it is necessary to understand about the disease in animals and human beings to control or to take necessary preventive measures.

Rabies in Dogs: Dogs are infected through the bite of an infected animal usually by another dog infected with rabies. but they can also get infection from other animals like cats, raccoons, foxes and bats. The virus is transmitted through the saliva. after the virus is deposited in the body of the dog it traverses through the nerve courses and finally reach the brain where it produce inflammation of the brain cells and consequent symptoms. therefore reaching of the brain depends on the site of bite. if the bite is nearer to the brain the symptoms of rabies appear quickly. However it takes 3-8 weeks to reach the brain and the symptoms to appear. The incubation period is long sometimes takes even 6 months to one year.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs: after the virus reaches the brain it produces the typical symptoms of rabies. The symptoms can be divided into three stages.

The first stage or the prodromal stage: The animal refuses to take food, goes to solitary places and hides. Domesticated animal behave rather aggressively and refuse to obey the owners instructions. The animal gets slight fever looks anxious and irritable. The animal licks the site of the bite. Aggressive animals may become docile and mild. The prodromal stage lasts for 2-3 days and it passes into the next stage.

The second stage or furious stage: The furious stage lasts for about 2-7 days developing aggressive symptoms. The eyes become red with a furious look and the dog tries to run away without any aim. this is particularly seen in street dogs. Salivation, lachrymation are seen. They try to bite unprovokingly animals and human beings coming on their way. They even bite the owners and recognition is lost. Gradually paralysis of hind limbs takes place and the animal enters the third stage.

The third or the paralytic stage: During this stage the paralysis progresses and animal cannot swallow any liquids and the voice of the dog becomes hoarse with profuse salivation from the mouth. some times the paralytic stage comes after the prodromal stage. Ultimately it becomes extremely weak and succumbs to the disease. Once the symptoms are seen the animal usually dies within 10 days due to respiratory failure.

Diagnosis of the disease: Symptoms are itself suggestive of the disease. However diagnosis should be done by histo pathological studies of the brain. therefore after the death of the dog the brain is dissected and the hypothalamus is sent to the diagnostic laboratory for histo pathological study and confirmation of the disease. Extreme care should be taken while collecting the brain sample and the carcass should be disposed of by incineration. The other test direct fluorescent antibody test on the brain tissue to detect the antibodies which is a most rapid and reliable test but the animal has to be euthanized for the test. Serum, spinal fluid and saliva can also be tested but the results are not 100% reliable.

Treatment: Treatment is not useful and the affected animal will die therefore prevention is the only best method.

Prevention of Rabies in Dogs: Dogs can be vaccinated against this disease. Regular vaccination protects the pets form this disease. Unprotected animal if they are bitten can be vaccinated with suitable vaccine to prevent the spread of the disease which is 100% useful and safe for the pets and the owners.

Preventive Vaccination: Rabies vaccination is compulsory in many countries nowadays to prevent the spread. Vaccinated animal will be immune for infection and it is the sure way to protect. The first dose of vaccination can be given at the age of 3-4 months. The second dose can be given after 7 days. from then onwards the dog can be vaccinated every year. Most of the manufacturers give necessary instructions which can be followed. Regular vaccination of dogs with rabies vaccine protects the pets from the bites of rabid animals.

Post exposure treatment: Generally public health officials recommend that unvaccinated pets if exposed to rabid dog bite should be euthanized as a safety procedure. if the pet owner is unwilling to euthanize vaccination can be done but the pet should be kept under observation for 6 months. in protected pets re-vaccination can be done and kept in observation for 45 days.

Since rabies is a fatal disease and spreads from rabid animals to humans it has a zoonotic importance to protect the human beings. in most of the countries where the dogs are not systematically vaccinated against rabies humans get rabies through the bites of rabid dogs. Bats can also transmit the disease and it is a common feature in United States of America.

Symptoms of rabies in humans: Infected persons by rabid animal if untreated get the disease within 15 days – 6 months depending on the site of the bite. if it is nearer to brain the onset of symptoms are faster and takes long time if the bite is farthest to the brain like the foot. The virus traverses through the nerves and reach the brain. When once it reaches it produce encephalitis with concomitant symptoms.

• Rabies in humans starts with flu like symptoms fever, chills and general malaise, restlessness, depression and severe exhaustion.
• The above symptoms last for about 2-7 days and followed by Paralysis of face and throat muscles.
• Severe thirst and the individual cannot swallow because of the paralysis of throat muscles causing inability to drink fluids even though thirsty. Restlessness increase and due to painful spasms of the throat muscles drinking of fluids become impossible. As soon as the person sees the water excitement and spasms start. for this reason rabies in human beings is also called hydrophobia.
• Voice become hoarse.
• Loss of consciousness progressing with paralysis of limbs leading to coma and death.

Once the symptoms are seen death is inevitable. therefore being a fatal disease prevention and post exposure treatment is very essential in human beings. Veterinarians and people deal in laboratories with rabies virus for production of vaccines are at high risk. They should be vaccinated and their immunity levels should be checked periodically.

What precautions to be taken if any body gets exposed to Rabies?

• if a person is bitten with a rabid animal wash all the bites with soap and water.
• Rush for medical aid immediately.
• Treatment of the person should always be started as early as possible. Otherwise the dose of vaccination and the course of injections get modified.
• if the bitten animal either dog or cat is available it should be observed for about 10 days. if the animal survives up to 10 days after the bite without any symptoms of rabies treatment of the individual can be stopped. if the animal bitten is not available for observation treatment should be taken suspecting it as a rabid animal bite. Any chance should not be taken.

Prevention of Rabies:

• Vaccinate all pets regularly with anti rabies vaccination with a potential vaccine.
• Stray dogs should be removed by any means.
• People who are at high risk should be vaccinated against rabies.
• Persons exposed to rabies should be given prompt treatment and post exposure vaccination.

Random Posts

(continued)
for following diseases:
rabies
cholera
tuberculosis
syphilis

hi komal !!
you asked something which is so long to answer in detail
so herewith i just briefe you regarding those ones
1. rabies –
it is an acute infectious disease of warm- blooded mammals, esp. carnivores. wildlife, esp. bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons, have been found to have rabies; dogs, cats, and cattle are the domestic animals particularly susceptible.

symptoms – pain, restless behaviour, and convulsions may be produced by sensory stimuli. excess thick saliva is produced.

cause – a neurotic filtrable virus present in saliva of rabid animals.

prevention – thoroughly clean all bites or scratches made by any animal with strong ( 20%) medicinal soap solution. deep puncture wounds should be opened to permit access of solutions.

treatment – if the attack by the animal was unprovoked, the animal not caught, and rabies is present in that species in the geographic area, give rabies immune globulin and vaccine immediately. if the wound is not punctured and just scratches made by an animal there are few of homeopathic medicines which can work as an anti rabies medicines and prevent you from taking any injections.

homeopathic treatment – first of all take calendula soap and ointment and clear of that place with soap thoroughly and apply ointment over it and leave it open only, then after administer it internally along with the hypericum and ledum pal 10-10-10 all together in 30 potency for atleast 4 days and observe that animal's behaviour if you dont find any changes in them, then just get relaxed about rabies infections.

i think this much will be enough for you to get the details about rabies
now more on cholera, tb and syphillis
i will defenately inform you
but today i am getting late for home
so will guide you tomorrow the rest
bye for now
tc
dr premal shah
+91 98245 63371

homeotouch.com in this website you can get all the informations
regarding all the common diseases and more i am uploading on it regularly so just check it out
bye

I have heard of rabies before,but I am just wondering what are the symptoms of the dumb and furious rabies?every time I search on it something pops up but it puts all together and I don't know which is which,and I have heard there is different symptoms for the dumb and furious rabies.So please list them below for me!!

P.S. I am just wondering what the symptoms are since I will be going in the country where coyotes,raccoons,foxes,etc are,so I really want to know the symptoms!!

If you vaccinate your dog you won't need to know the symptoms. Don't let your dog chase coyotes if you're concerned about it. if you are handling wildlife, you yourself should be vaccinated. It is a series of three shots and it usually good for life. Rabies can be fatal no matter what type it is, so vaccinate and be on the safe side. my dog kills any fox she can catch (we are on a farm and that is her job) but she is fully vaccinated against everything available.

Get your dog vaccinated they must have there rabies shots. the symptoms to rabies is: attacking for no reason and at everything, foaming at the mouth, and very violent they will rip up smaller game and if they smell blood the will go for it and wont it. Animals with rabies would only live up to a week or more give or take. I am not a vet but this is what i herd.

Dumb Rabies Symptoms:
Acting Depressed
Hiding or isolating
Paralysis

Furious Rabies Symptoms:
Acting Excited
Aggressive
Attacking objects or animals
Biting or chewing on their own limbs

Have no clue

Mostly animals get rabies. if your dog comes home from playing outside and he's foaming at the mouth, he has rabies.

Foaming at the mouth and aggression are good signs of rabies. Raccoons, dogs, rats, squirrels, and lots of other animals. Once the animal or person starts showing signs of rabies, it is too late to be cured. if you get bit by an animal that potentially could have rabies, you should go get a rabies shot ASAP.

The carriers of rabies are bats and dogs, and humans are dead end hosts. if you feel you have been in contact with the virus, you must clean and wash the area, run to get the shot and antibodies against it. the symptoms seen on a dog is if they all of a sudden change behavior, and start becoming agressive or violent. Please go right away, there is only one known case that survived..at least in the U.S.A