What are the complications of human rabies and why is it so lethal?

A woman died last Saturday (11) after contracting human anger in the Agreste of Pernambuco. She was admitted to the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital of the University of Pernambuco (HUOC/UPE) in serious condition, after being attacked by a marmoset. Pernambuco had confirmed the case on Wednesday (8), after eight years without records of human rabies in the state.

Rabies is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus of the genus Lyssavirus. The infection, which can affect humans, livestock and domestic animals, causes progressive inflammation of the brain, with lethality close to 100% .

“The rabies virus basically affects the central nervous system, mainly the brain. Therefore, the symptoms manifested are, primarily, changes in the state of consciousness, such as depression, drowsiness and, very often, irritation”, explains Renato Grinbaum, infectious disease specialist and professor of the Medicine course at the Universidade Cidade de S. Paulo (Unicid ), to CNN .

Furthermore, human rabies causes muscle weakness and spasms, including in the muscles of the esophagus, leading to hydrophobia — inability to ingest liquids and one’s own saliva, leading to excessive salivation, a characteristic symptom of rabies.

“Normally, it is a disease that progresses to severe and irreversible brain damage, and is lethal because the virus affects very important regions of the brain very quickly, not giving the body time to produce any satisfactory reaction”, says the specialist.

“There are very few cases of recovery from rabies. However, in these situations, the destruction is so intense, so severe, that the person loses consciousness and suffers multiple paralysis. It is a very precarious state of life, dependent on devices and care, a very difficult survival”, he adds.

Rabies virus has no cure and prevention is essential

THE rabies virus cannot be treated or cured . “Practically all individuals who acquire rabies die. Therefore, it is extremely important that the person who suffers a bite [de um cachorro ou outro mamífero desconhecido] take prophylaxis against rabies, and the vaccine is extremely effective”, warns Moacyr Silva, infectious disease specialist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, to CNN .

According to the expert, the anti-rabies vaccine used after an injury caused by an animal is defined according to the affected location. “Depending on the location of the bite — for example, the face and hands are areas where the virus is more likely to reach the central nervous system — and depending on the severity, you categorize the type of vaccination the person will receive. So, this is a factor that facilitates any prevention”, he states.

Furthermore, the Vaccinating dogs and cats is one of the most effective ways to prevent animal rabies and transmission to humans. As a preventive measure, the ministry recommends avoiding approaching and touching unfamiliar animals, especially when they are feeding, with puppies or sleeping.

In case of aggression by animals, it is necessary to wash the wound with running water and soap immediately and seek medical attention for guidance on the need to receive the rabies vaccine.

“There is no effective treatment, no antiviral that is effective for treating rabies. So, the best measure is prevention. If you are bitten by a wild animal, a cat, a dog, a monkey, you should immediately see a doctor for prophylaxis and, depending on the type of injury, treatment with anti-rabies serum, in addition to the vaccine.” , advises Silva.

The Ministry of Health recommends preventive vaccination for groups considered at risk, according to the activity performed:

  • Veterinarians; biologists; rabies virology and anatomopathology laboratory professionals; students of veterinary medicine, zootechnics, biology, agronomy, agrotechnics and related areas;
  • People who work in the capture, containment, management, sample collection, vaccination, research, eco-epidemiological investigations, identification and classification of mammals such as domestic mammals (dogs and cats) or production animals (bovids, horses, goats, sheep and pigs), animals free-living or captive wild animals, including zoo employees;
  • Cave researchers (cavers), ecotourism guides, fishermen and other professionals who work in risk areas.

*With information from Gabriela Bento, in collaboration with CNN

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This content was originally published in What are the complications of human rabies and why is it so lethal? on the CNN Brasil website.

Source: CNN Brasil

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