What is Rabies
What causes rabies?
A virus
How is rabies commonly spread?
Animal bites
What is one early symptom of rabies?
Fever
What should you do immediately after an animal bite?
Wash the wound with soap and water
When can rabies be successfully treated?
Before symptoms appear
What part of the body does rabies affect?
Nervous System (brain and spinal cord)
What fluid carries the rabies virus?
Saliva
What fear is commonly associated with rabies?
Fear of water (hydrophobia)
How can pets help prevent rabies in humans?
By being vaccinated
What is the treatment called after exposure to rabies?
Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
What shape is the rabies?
Bullet shaped
Name one animal that can carry rabies into the U.S:
Bats
Other answers: Foxes, skunks, racoons
What behavior changes in later stages?
Confusion, aggression/agitation
Who helps control rabies in animals?
Veterinarians
What 2 thing's are used in rabies treatment?
Vaccines and immunoglobulin
What usually happens once rabies systems appears?
It is almost always fatal
Why is rabies a One Health issue?
It spreads between animals and humans
What happens if rabies are not treated?
Death
Why should people avoid contact with wild animals?
To reduce disease spread between wildlife and humans
Why is rabies considered extremely dangerous?
It becomes fatal once symptoms start
What type of disease is rabies that can spread from animals to humans?
Zoonotic disease
What must happen for rabies to infect a person (not just touching an animal)?
Saliva must enter the body through a bite or open wound
Why do people with rabies develop difficulty swallowing?
The virus affects the nervous system and muscles controlling swallowing
How does vaccinating wildlife (like oral vaccines) help humans?
It reduces rabies in animal populations, lowering risk to humans
Why must treatment begin quickly after exposure?
The virus travels through nerves to the brain, where it becomes untreatable