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Rabies

A viral infection that develops after being bitten by an animal carrying the rabies virus and is fatal if not prevented.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted by bite of an infected animal (dog, bat, fox, hyena), scratching, or contact of infected saliva with an open wound, caused by the Lyssavirus genus rabies virus. The virus reaches the central nervous system via peripheral nerve pathways.

The incubation period can vary from 1 week to 1 year depending on the wound location and viral load. After clinical symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal (with rare survivor cases under the Milwaukee protocol).

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — washing the bite wound, rabies immunoglobulin, and vaccine series — prevents the disease nearly 100% when applied before symptoms begin. For this reason, bite by a rabid animal is a medical emergency.

Symptoms

Pain, itching, and numbness at the bite site in the prodromal period
Fever, headache, and weakness
Hyperactivity or paralysis in the neurological period
Laryngeal spasm triggered by contact with water or sight of it (hydrophobia)
Fear of wind (aerophobia)
Hypersalivation (foaming from the mouth)
Coma and death (progressive brain involvement)

Risk Factors

Bite by dog, bat, or wild animal in rabies endemic areas
Travel to tropical and developing countries
Veterinarian, animal caretaker, cave explorer
Being unvaccinated (in high-risk occupational groups)
Children's age group (higher contact risk with animals)
Not presenting immediately after exposure
Not receiving rabies immunoglobulin

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For any animal bite or scratch — without delay (EMERGENCY)
  • When there is contact with a bat (even if no bite is felt)
  • PEP should be applied before rabies symptoms begin
  • In any case of animal contact in an endemic area
  • High-risk individuals who could not complete the vaccine series

Treatment Methods

01
The wound site should be washed with soap and water for 15 minutes immediately
02
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) applied around the wound (within the first 7 days)
03
Rabies vaccine series (4 doses IM on days 0, 3, 7, and 14)
04
Prophylactic pre-exposure vaccination in high-risk occupational groups
05
Palliative intensive care in the symptomatic stage
06
Vaccination of animals and stray animal control (community protection)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.