Can rabies be treated?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

Updated on September 24, 2024

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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

29sec

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Does rabies cause fever?

Rabies can also cause fever when it occurs. During the prodromal period, it typically presents as a low fever and is often accompanied by marked fear of water, light, and wind. It can cause throat spasms and severe agitation. Rabies is a fatal disease with a 100% fatality rate once contracted. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures against rabies, and professional quarantine and symptomatic treatment are required once the disease manifests.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

40sec

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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

39sec

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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

30sec

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Can rabies be cured?

Rabies cannot be cured, and once infected and symptomatic, it is 100% fatal with no existing therapeutic strategies. Treatment only involves symptomatic care to alleviate some symptoms of patients but does not improve prognosis; generally, death occurs. Therefore, prevention of rabies is crucial. If exposed to potentially rabid dog or cat bites, it is essential to promptly administer rabies vaccine, and sometimes, it is necessary to concurrently inject rabies immunoglobulin.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

41sec

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How long is the longest incubation period for rabies?

The incubation period of rabies is generally between one to three months, and it is rare for the disease to have incubation period longer than a year. Most cases usually fall within one to three months, according to the 2016 Rabies Prevention Guide. The longest recorded incubation period for rabies mentioned in the guide was six years, but such cases are extremely rare. Therefore, if a person is bitten by a dog and does not develop the disease within a year, it is generally considered that they were not infected with rabies at the time of the bite. Rabies is a fatal disease, with a 100% fatality rate upon infection, so prevention is crucial.