What are the Causes of rabies?

Rabies is a virus  is predominantly spread by a bite from an infected animal.However, it is also possible to become infected if saliva from an infected animal gets into an open wound or through a mucous membrane, such as the eyes or mouth.

How Do People Catch Rabies

 

Animals with rabies transfer the virus to other animals and to people via saliva following a bite or via a scratch. However, any contact with the mucous membranes or an open wound can also spread the virus. The transmission of this virus is considered to be exclusively from animal to animal and animal to human. 

Following a bite, the rabies virus spreads by way of the nerve cells to the brain. Once in the brain, the virus multiplies rapidly. This activity causes severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord after which the person deteriorates rapidly and dies. 

Once a person has been bitten, the virus spreads through their nerves to the brain. It’s important to note that bites or scratches on the head and neck are thought to speed up the brain and spinal cord involvement because of the location of the initial trauma. If you’re bitten on the neck, seek help as soon as possible.

  Animals that Can Spread Rabies

Both wild and domesticated animals can spread the rabies virus. The following animals are the main sources of rabies infection in humans:

• ·         dogs

• ·         bats

• ·         ferrets

• ·         cats

• ·         cows

• ·         goats

• ·         horses

• ·         rabbits

• ·         beavers

• ·         coyotes

• ·         foxes

• ·         monkeys

• ·         raccoons

• ·         skunks

• ·         woodchucks

  

Reference by

Healthline/askdrmakkar