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

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

These are the symptoms of this disease

Symptoms include fever, anxiety, malaise, tingling and severe itching at the site of the bite, and 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, tropical disease that causes the death of thousands of people every year. In which 40% of such cases are children below 15 years of age. 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog ​​bites and scratches. Dog bites can be prevented through vaccination.

Also read: World Heart Day 2024: If someone in front of you has a heart attack, do this first thing, your life can be saved.

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

Also read: Liver Disease: How many people die every year in India due to liver disease? Here is the complete figure

If a person is bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, they should seek PEP care immediately and always. WHO and its global partners aim to eliminate human deaths caused by rabies caused by dogs, including by promoting large-scale vaccination of dogs. Bite prevention includes ensuring access to PEP, health worker training, improved surveillance and community awareness.

Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.

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

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator