Rabies is considered as a life-threatening condition that involves the destruction of the central nervous system which is comprised of the spinal cord and the brain. The rabies virus can spread if the individual has been bitten by an infected animal such as a bat, raccoon, dog or skunk. The symptoms of rabies usually manifest abruptly after the bite was sustained and can lead to death in just a few days after the onset of the symptoms. If you suspect that an individual sustained a bite from an animal, it is best to seek immediate medical care. The bite that was delivered by an animal must be taken care of. If you want to properly manage a bite from an animal, you can register for first aid training.
Twitching or tingling sensation
An indicative symptom of rabies is twitching or stinging sensation that develops on the area surrounding the bite site. It is important to note that this symptom can range from mild to moderate or excruciating that would require immediate emergency care.
Flu-like symptoms
During the initial stage of rabies infection, the individual will develop generalized flu-like symptoms. The symptoms typically include nausea, fatigue, headache, diminished appetite or body aches. In some cases, the individual can also experience sore throat or cough. Once the infection in the body progresses, the flu-like symptoms will become severe and additional symptoms are likely to manifest as well.
Changes with the mood and behavior
The individual can exhibit changes in the behavior and mood if he/she is infected with rabies. Take note that rabies can cause unusual hallucinations or confusion that can lead to aggressive behavior, agitation or irritability. These symptoms tend to develop due to dysfunctional nerve signal transmission between the brain and the body.
Weakness
Once the infection spreads throughout the body, it can contribute to the symptoms of muscle weakness. The individual might not be able to use some of the muscles in the body or start to experience unusual muscle spasms. In some cases, the individual can experience muscle convulsions or seizures. These symptoms drastically affect the capability of the individual to move around normally and will continue to worsen if the infection is not treated.
Excessive salivation
Rabies can cause excessive salivation in some individuals as one of the symptoms of the infection. The individual will start to drool or foam at the mouth, particularly during the late stages of the viral infection. The increased production of saliva can disrupt the ability of the individual to speak or swallow normally and can even lead to breathing difficulties in some cases. Additionally, there is also increased production of tears that can cause the eyes to become watery or red in color.
If an individual was bitten by an animal that is suspected as a carrier of the rabies virus, it is important to watch out for the symptoms so that proper measures can be started.