What is rabies?

Rabies is a very dangerous disease that affects both humans and animals, and it has been a serious problem for centuries. Although the virus can be prevented by vaccines, rabies still kills thousands of people every year, particularly in regions where access to healthcare is limited. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention and early intervention critically important. The rabies virus is mostly found in the saliva of infected animals, which is how it spreads. The most common way rabies is passed from one animal to another, or from animals to humans, is through bites.

The symptoms include:

• Fever, headache, general weakness,
• Pain, tingling or numbness at the site of the injury,
• Stiff neck,
• Sensitivity to touch, sound and light,
• Disorientation and hallucinations,
• Hyperactivity and inappropriate behaviour (drooling, biting),
• Painful spasms of the pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles,
• Blue or greyish skin,
• Fear of water (hydrophobia) - only in humans, animals do not experience hydrophobia.