Serious Diseases We Can Get From Animals

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal infectious viral disease that causes excitotoxicity, over stimulating the brain causing cells to die. It accounts for one of the highest fatality rates of any virus, and is transmitted by infected dogs and the saliva of bat bites. The infection causes tens of thousands of deaths annually, mostly in Asia and Africa. The incubation period is usually one to three months. Initial symptoms are fever, pain, unusual or unexplained tingling, and a pricking or burning sensation at the wound site.

When the virus spreads through the central nervous system, progressive fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develop. Furious rabies displays signs of hyperactivity, hydrophobia, excited behavior, and sometimes aerophobia. After a few days, death occurs by cardiorespiratory arrest. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease and occurs mainly in remote rural communities where children between five and fourteen years old are the most frequent victims. Effective treatment soon after exposure can prevent the onset of symptoms and death.

Continue reading to reveal more details on zoonotic diseases now.