How Does
How Does Rabies Spread?
By Chad Hunter
eHow Contributing Writer
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Basics of Rabies
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Rabies is a viral disease that is contagious and affects the brain and nervous system of animals. Rabies travels along the nerves up to the brain causing inflammation and headache, fever, mania, violent muscle reactions, inability to swallow water and eventual death.
Types of Animals Infected
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Animals that can contract rabies include most of the mammalian order. Most wildlife creatures can be infected including bats, foxes, coyotes and raccoons. Household pets also can contract the disease. Humans can also be infected with rabies.
How Rabies is Spread
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The disease is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal, mainly through a bite. It is possible to contract rabies through getting bodily fluids from the animal into openings of the body.
Rabies Treatment
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If caught within the first week of infection, rabies is treated with cleansing of the wound, flushing of the mucous membranes in the eyes and mouth and administration of HRIG (Human Rabies Immunoglobulin) vaccine over a four-week period. The vaccine is partially injected in the wound area and in a section near the bite.
eHow Article: How Does Rabies Spread?
Comments
deedavis said
on 7/13/2009 This is something to be cognizant of. Well written article on how rabies spread.