What Are The Possible Complications Of Rabies? A Review By Doctors

Rabies image

Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is characterized by severe, acute and progressive brain involvement, with very high lethality. It is transmitted from contact with secretions of contaminated animals (such as dogs, cats or bats) usually through bites, scratches or licks. The overwhelming majority of patients progress to death, which can be as fast as a week. Although there are few reports of survivors, they do not escape without significant neurological sequelae such as severe motor and cognitive deficits.

Expert opinion from Marcella Abunahman Pereira

Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil

Rabies is transmitted by the inoculation of the virus within the saliva through the bite of an infected animal. Dogs, cats and bats are the main transmitters. Possible rabies complications include psychosis (with hallucinations, delirium and aggressiveness), seizures, speech difficulty, muscular twitching and death. Receiving the vaccine post-exposure is highly successful in preventing the disease if administered promptly, in general within ten days of infection.

→ Learn more about rabies: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to rabies.

Expert opinion from Robert H. Shmerling

M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA

Once symptoms appear, rabies is usually fatal. Fortunately, early treatment after an animal bite can prevent the disease from developing. Complications of rabies include: • Difficulty swallowing with increased saliva production • Hallucinations, seizures, confusion • Hydrophobia (fear of water) • Heart problems including heart muscle inflammation and heart rhythm abnormalities • Breathing problems • Coma • Death

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.