Rabies

Epic card · No. 6806

Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. Early symptoms can include fever and abnormal sensations at the site of exposure, which are followed by nausea, vomiting, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, the result is virtually always death. The time period between contracting the infection and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months but can vary from less than one week to more than one year. The time depends on the distance the virus must travel along peripheral nerves to reach the central nervous system. Rabies is caused by lyssaviruses, including the rabies virus and Australian bat lyssavirus. It is spread when an infected animal bites or scratches another animal or a human. Even in the absence of a bite or a scratch, saliva from an infected animal coming into contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose can transmit...

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