Can rabies be contagious?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Rabies is contagious and is primarily transmitted through bites from infected dogs, cats, or bats. During the onset of the disease, the saliva of rabid dogs contains a high concentration of the rabies virus. Similarly, the saliva of cats in the onset phase also contains a large amount of the rabies virus. If these rabies viruses enter the human body, there is a significant risk of infection. Currently, transmission of rabies from one person to another is extremely rare; it is mainly transmitted to humans through bites from infected animals during their symptomatic phase.

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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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Can rabies be cured?

Rabies is an incurable disease, and once symptoms develop, it is almost always 100% fatal. However, it is meaningful to use certain medications to control the patient's agitation and relieve their suffering. For example, sedatives such as Valium and phenobarbital can be used. After the onset of rabies, it is essential to isolate the patient and manage the symptoms according to the specific situation. Since rabies is incurable, prevention is critical. If bitten by animals such as dogs or cats, it is necessary to clean and disinfect the wound immediately and then promptly administer rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Rabies is transmitted through what?

Rabies is actually a relatively rare disease, but it is a very dangerous one with a 100% fatality rate once infected. In clinical practice, most cases of rabies are due to not being vaccinated after being bitten by a rabid dog. There are also frequent occurrences after being bitten or scratched by a cat without vaccination against rabies. Additionally, there is a risk of infection from bat bites as well. Rabies cannot be treated, and the main approach is prevention. There have been no cases of transmission from human to human, and it can be prevented through rabies vaccination.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does rabies cause headaches and dizziness?

During the apparent symptomatic phase of rabies, symptoms like headache and dizziness may occur, although they are not the main symptoms. More typical symptoms of rabies include hydrophobia, fear of wind, photophobia, and difficulty drinking water. Exposure to bright lights and loud noises can cause whole-body spasms and pain. The disease can also cause facial muscle spasms, leading to distorted facial expressions. Subsequently, opisthotonus may occur, along with drooling, tearing, and tachycardia. Eventually, the patient may fall into a coma and die. Fever may also be present.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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rabies probability

Rabies is actually a fatal disease, with a 100% death rate once infected, so there are no treatment options available, only prevention can be strengthened. Rabies is also a very rare disease; across our country, there are approximately 40 million exposure cases each year, but only about 1,000 cases of rabies occur annually. If someone is bitten or scratched by a dog, cat, or bat, it is necessary to administer a rabies vaccine. For wounds with broken skin, rabies immunoglobulin must also be administered to ensure proper prevention.