Commentary - (2023) Volume 12, Issue 2
Viral rabies is a fatal illness that affects animals, including humans, and their central nervous systems. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often through a bite or scratch. Once the virus enters the body, it travels to the brain where it causes inflammation and, ultimately death. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, rabies remains a significant public health threat in many parts of the world.
Rabies has been recognized as a disease for thousands of years, with descriptions of rabies-like symptoms dating back to ancient times. In the 19th century, the French scientist Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine, using weakened strains of the virus to confer immunity. This vaccine has since been refined and improved, and is now widely used to prevent rabies in humans and animals. The most common route of transmission of the rabies virus is through the bite of an infected animal. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are the primary sources of rabies in North America, while dogs are the most common carriers of the virus in many parts of the world. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of rabies transmitted by bats in the United States, highlighting the importance of taking precautions when encountering wildlife.
Once the virus enters the body, it replicates and spreads to the peripheral nerves, eventually making its way to the brain. The incubation period for rabies can vary from a few days to several years, depending on factors such as the location of the bite and the amount of virus present. As the virus progresses, it causes a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle weakness, and agitation. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe, with individuals experiencing hallucinations, delirium, and seizures.
The treatment for rabies involves a combination of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and supportive care. PEP involves a series of injections with rabies immune globulin and a vaccine, which work together to stimulate the immune system and prevent the virus from taking hold. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of four to five injections over a period of several weeks. Supportive care, such as maintaining hydration and managing symptoms, can help to alleviate some of the more severe symptoms of the disease. Vaccinating domestic animals such as dogs and cats is an important step in preventing the spread of the virus, as is avoiding contact with wild animals. In many parts of the world, rabies is still a significant public health threat, and efforts to control the spread of the disease must be ongoing. In some countries, particularly those with limited resources, the disease is a major cause of mortality, with an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually. Even in developed countries, where vaccines and treatments are widely available, rabies remains a concern, particularly in areas where there is a high risk of exposure to wild animals.
One of the challenges in controlling rabies is the lack of awareness and education surrounding the disease. Many people are not aware of the risks of encountering wild animals, or of the importance of vaccinating their pets. In addition, there are cultural and religious beliefs in some parts of the world that can make it difficult to implement effective control measures. For example, in some communities, dogs are considered sacred and are not allowed to be euthanized or vaccinated. There are ongoing efforts to control the spread of rabies, including vaccination campaigns and public education programs.
Citation: Alain R. Impact Control Emerging Strategies and Innovative Approaches in Rabies Viral Disease. J Biol Todays World, 2023,12(2), 001.
Received: 01-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. JBTW-23-95247; Editor assigned: 06-Feb-2023, Pre QC No. JBTW-23-95247 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Feb-2023, QC No. JBTW-23-95247; Revised: 27-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. JBTW-23-95247 (R); Published: 06-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2322-3308-12.2.002
Copyright: © 2023 Alain R. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.