Rabies, which has been in our lives for thousands of years, still causes thousands of people to die, even though its vaccine has been found. Throughout the history of mankind, various ways have been tried to get rid of this disease. But unfortunately anyway We’re not quite saved.

In addition, the behavior of rabies viruses after they enter the body and symptoms that occur pretty weird too. For example, fear of water. We will discuss them all, but first we need to understand why rabies is dangerous.

It is still one of the deadliest diseases in the world.

Almost for 4,000 years The rabies virus, which is known to exist, is considered one of the world’s most dangerous zoonotic diseases (animal-to-human transmission). The virus, which targets our brains directly as soon as it enters our bodies, can cause permanent damage or… lose his life can cause.

According to data from the World Health Organization, each year 60 thousand people due to rabies he loses his life. One of the biggest reasons for this is; people have not been vaccinated before and their symptoms are very mild until the virus reaches the brain.

The virus targets our brains directly.

• MR recording of a patient with rabies on the 16th day of hospitalization. (4 days before his death)

Suppose a rabid dog bites your toe. After this moment, the virus immediately gets to work to progress in your body. As it does this, it infects any cells in its path and then destroys it. Until it reaches our brains and the incubation period is over, we don’t see many symptoms. The incubation period depends on the type of rabies virus and depending on the distance from the bite area to the brain may vary. Usually this time 2-3 months Although it can take up to 1 year or 1 week.

There are two different types of rabies: encephalitic and paralytic. Paralytic rabies contacts paralysis or coma It is a slow process and usually slower. Encephalitic rabies is usually the most common type. Hyperactivity and hallucinations as well as hydrophobia be afraid of water can also cause.

General Symptoms

• confusion, aggression
• hemiplegia
• twitching
• stiffening of neck muscles
• contractions
• Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing
• More saliva production than normal
• foam at the mouth
• Insomnia and poor sleep associated with hallucinations
• Prolonged erections and lasting erections in men
• Photophobia (fear of light)
• Fear of water or hydrophobia

So why are rabies patients afraid of water?

• It is taken from the green pine movie called Kuduz, starring Tarık Akan and Necla Nazır.

As we mentioned before, the virus targets our brains directly and the early symptoms seen so far are; itching, pain, inflammation such little things. After the virus reaches our brains, it causes hallucinations, partial paralysis, excessive saliva production and even foam at the mouth begins to cause

At this point, consuming liquid becomes torture for patients. Infection that spreads to the throat causes spasms. That is, people even swallow it begins to hurt their souls. After a while, they refrain from consuming drinks. When they see water or when they think of drinking water, they are afraid of water, turn away and even attacks with spasms The reason is that they think they will hurt. Summarized; The rabies virus actually indirectly causes us to fear water.

Interestingly different symptoms can be observed in some patients.

Another symptom seen in rabies patients is photophobia, that is, sensitivity to light. The biggest reason for this, of course, is the person who is infected with rabies. viruses circulating in your body. However, patients may want to be in a dark environment because they get a more melancholic feeling with practical rabies.

The hyperactivity seen in encephalitic rabies makes patients more willing and unable to sit still. They breathe faster and their heart rhythm speeds up. For this reason, there is an increase in their libido. In male patients this is permanent or hour-long erections can cause.

Don’t underestimate the rabies vaccine.

Unfortunately, all of the serious symptoms we listed above occur after the rabies virus reaches the brain and travels to other regions. That is, when it completes the incubation period. After this point, the treatments are often insufficient.

Many of us keep one or more of our animal friends in our house or yard. However, rabies can be transmitted to our friends that we love and feed on any animal. Therefore Vaccinations of both ourselves and our friends We must not neglect it. You can repeat your rabies vaccination every 10 years and take precautions against the possibility of contracting the disease.

What should you do if an animal you suspect is rabid bites you?

Sensitive image

First of all we have to say that; All the processes we described above are seen in the same way in animals. Indeed, if you look from a distance seem normal an animal can carry the rabies virus. However, the virus, which is in the incubation period, does not show itself. it’s hard for you to understand will be.

For this reason, if you are bitten by an animal, you must first in 15 minutes You should clean the wound with soap and water. Then go to the nearest healthcare institution and report the situation. It is helpful to keep an eye on the animal that bit you throughout this process.

Most of the symptoms have been observed in most cases of rabies in humans and animals. Many symptoms may not occur in every person or animal. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and thoughts on rabies with us in the comments.

Sources: WHO, Boehringer Ingelheim, WOAH, MedicalNewsToday, ScienceABC, Research published in the National Library of Medicine, ReseachGate (MR Image)