Can the rabies virus remain hidden in the body for many years? Know what the truth is

Rabies disease is a dangerous viral disease. This disease is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. It is also known as Lisavirus. The time between exposure to the rabies virus and the appearance of symptoms can vary from 5 days to more than 2 years. In humans, its duration is 20 to 60 days. But its time limit may be less in children. In some cases, symptoms of this disease appear even after seven years.

These are the symptoms of this disease

Symptoms include fever, anxiety, discomfort, tingling, and severe itching at the bite site, as well as neurological symptoms such as hyperactivity and paralysis.

WHO took this step to prevent rabies

Rabies is a serious public health problem in more than 150 countries and territories. Mainly in Asia and Africa. It is a viral, zoonotic and tropical disease that causes the death of thousands of people each year. In which 40% of these cases concern children under 15 years old. 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog ​​bites and scratches. Dog bites can be prevented through vaccination.

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Once the virus infects the body’s nervous system, symptoms appear in daily life. Rabies is then fatal in 100% of cases. However, deaths from rabies can be prevented with immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) by preventing the virus from reaching the nervous system. PEP includes thorough washing of the wound, administration of a human rabies vaccine, and, when indicated, administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG).

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If a person is bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, they should immediately and always resort to PEP. WHO and its global partners aim to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-induced rabies, including by promoting widespread dog vaccination. Bite prevention includes access to PEP, training of health workers, improved surveillance and community awareness.

Disclaimer: Some information in news stories is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you should consult the relevant expert.

Also read: The story of how the rabies vaccine was made will give you goosebumps, a 9 year old child was attacked by a dog 14 times.

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