Rabies

Definition

Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rabies is caused by the Rabies lyssavirus.
2. The virus travels from the bite site to the central nervous system via peripheral nerves.
3. Symptoms include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion.
4. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
5. Vaccination after exposure (known as post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent disease onset.

Review Questions

• What is the causative agent of rabies and how is it transmitted?
• Describe the progression of rabies infection in the human body.
• Why is post-exposure prophylaxis critical in rabies infections?

Related terms

Zoonosis: An infectious disease that has jumped from non-human animals to humans.

Neurotropic Virus: A virus that primarily infects nerve cells.

Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.