Can a human with rabies infect another human?
Are you planning on going to the woods anytime soon? Don’t! If you do, make sure that when you return home, your dogs will not be chewing on your arms like it’s some juicy bone. Hey there, did we scare you now? You know why! Because no one wants to get infected with that batshit crazy thing called rabies (pun intended). And the worst part is – it can kill you too.
But wait…
Can only animals have this infection or can humans also get affected by it? Have curiosity taking over after hearing stories about how deadly and contagious lyssa is these days? Don’t worry; we’ve got all of your questions answered here in this exciting article. So buckle up!
Rabies – The Brain-Eating Virus
Rabies is a virus that spreads through contact with an infected animal’s saliva or nervous tissue(1) and attacks the central nervous system/neurological system-specifically the brain-and affects mammals such as raccoons/bats/skunks/foxes/dogs/cats-etc.(2)
The Importance Of Vaccination
The most definitive way of ensuring safety from rabies is getting vaccinated beforehand—something which veterinarians usually recommend for pets() and hyper-precautious people doing what they do best- worrying excessively.(3) A four-dose vaccination series spread out over two weeks for unvaccinated individuals(unless they develop immunity benefits within three doses),
most likely prevents the disease if applied immediately after contamination/testing positive for exposure.(4)
There has never been any confirmed cases of fatalities due to vaccinations according to statistical research studies across time/proving its success rates far outweighing its side effects(^)
People who work around wild animals should always top priority vaccine protection
Furthermore, Reporting immediate symptoms upon experiencing acute changes/coloration around bites or contact with wild/stray or even domesticated animals seems equally important as catching the event in its early stage only slows down the onset of severe neurological damage inflicted by Rabies infection.
It’s Not Me, It’s You — How Is Rabies Transmitted?
Rabies spreads through saliva—yes dog drool contains more than just mere slobber—for our furry friends—and if it gains access to an open wound/dissection/oral mucosal membranes. Animal bites are most common venues for quick contamination transfer(^)
Wait a minute – did we see you nuzzling your pet kittens and puppies? Keep them at arm’s length from your pretty face! Additionally, wait out any changes around their eating/appetite/secretion habits() which can be a sign of rabies-related brain mutations.
Do not indulge these cute critters when they behave weirdly- educate yourself enough to distinguish suspicious behavior that contrasts different personalities-such growling/biting/unrustic claws/feline/meows/haphazard movement-you don’t wanna end up surprised upon learning why()
In other words – this virus travels conveniently from biting the infected animal and spreading all over the bitten human being’s body-and in no time turns into something quite nasty!
The conversion period may vary depending on many factors though generally ranges about three weeks (but can go up to four months).()
Don’t give hugs too soon now.
# Fun Fact1: A few rogue strains of bats are “vampire bats” who live off blood sucking-not those satisfying synthetic strawberry milkshakes like we do.()
So Are Humans Vectors Too?
Irrespective of how widely prevalent it is among animals, rabies rarely attains transmission between humans ()– In fact according to CDC morbidity reports since 1980- there has never been any such documented event.(^)
However certain circumstances enable its airborne transmission- such as transplantation of organs/blood/detection in the mother-infant breastfeeding practice.
Humans cannot directly infect other humans alongside domestic pets ()
The virus dies once it turns subsiding, visible onset during incubation period/ getting through faulty medications/eating animal meat with contaminated nervous tissues()
The Final Verdict
At last, there had been no documented events where one human gives rabies to another but that doesn’t mean you should take this weirdly delightful topic lightly since risk factors exist for a reason-be aware/stay alert and do not expose or come into contact with your source of exposure. Play safe always! Now excuse us while we go burn all our doggy toys and purify ourselves just in case 😉
We hope you enjoyed our rib-tickling yet informative article on Rabies; until next time folks!!
Sources:
(1) – CDC website:https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/transmission/index.html
(2) – World Health Organisation website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies#:~:text=Many%20different%20animals%20can%20transmit,Rabies&text=Dogs%20are%20the%20most%201,Certain clinical signs can indicate bat vectors.
() – “Wild Animals-I Didn’t Know That◆ by Activion Media”- Season 01-Episode03
(^) –NCBI Website :https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4318609/
(#) -Article written without discrimination towards any animal group/can be considered a parody of brief extent.
()Information Provided Not Intended For Medical Purpose And Subjected To Change With Periodic Research Updates