Symptoms of the incubation period of rabies

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Rabies has no obvious symptoms during the incubation period. Some people might feel as if ants are biting at the wound site, while others may display symptoms of fatigue and lack of energy; however, the vast majority of people do not show any clear characteristic symptoms. The incubation period for rabies can range from one to three months, and it is rare for it to extend beyond one year. The duration of the incubation period is highly dependent on the location of the bite; the farther from the head, the longer the incubation period. Conversely, the closer to the head and face, the shorter the incubation period.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Why is rabies afraid of water?

The reason why rabies fears water is because the rabies virus proliferates extensively in the brain, causing massive damage to brain tissues and cells. When it affects certain swallowing nerves and glossopharyngeal nerves, and causes extensive necrosis of brain and liver cells, these symptoms will appear. In addition to fearing water, there is also a fear of bright light, wind sounds, and noise. There will be evident fear-induced spasms, and eventually, it leads to death due to coma, and it is also prone to fever.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How long does rabies take to develop?

The incubation period for rabies generally ranges from one to three months, rarely exceeding one year, with the shortest onset at five days and the longest around six years. Actually, the duration of the incubation period is related to the location of the bite; the further from the head, the longer the incubation period. If the wound from the bite is superficial and contains fewer rabies viruses, then the incubation period will also be longer. Conversely, if there is a larger amount of rabies virus and the wound is deeper, the incubation period will be shorter. Rabies is a fatal disease, with a 100% mortality rate once infected.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can rabies be treated?

Rabies, once contracted, is incurable and leads to a 100% fatality rate. The reason rabies is incurable primarily stems from the rabies virus invading the human body and proliferating extensively within the brain's nerves. This leads to the destruction of brain tissues and the exhaustion of brain functions, making it impossible to treat. Therefore, prevention of rabies is crucial. If there is exposure to the rabies virus, it is necessary to administer the rabies vaccine, and in some cases, it may also be necessary to administer rabies immunoglobulin concurrently.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Rabies transmission routes

Rabies is an extremely deadly disease, with a 100% fatality rate once infected, so prevention is crucial. According to clinical and laboratory research, the majority of cases result from bites by rabid dogs who were not vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, there are cases resulting from bites or scratches by cats who were not vaccinated. In places like the United States and Europe, bat bites are relatively common. In rabies cases involving dogs and cats, their saliva contains a high concentration of the virus, making infection likely if one comes into contact with it. Proper prevention is essential.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does rabies cause diarrhea?

If rabies occurs, there may be symptoms like diarrhea and severe panic. A distinct fear and restlessness toward water, light, and wind are apparent. During the peak of rabies, a person will be in a state of significant agitation and extreme pain. Rabies is a deadly disease with a 100% mortality rate upon onset of symptoms. Currently, there are no treatment methods or strategies, so it is crucial to focus on the prevention of rabies.