Rabies is a viral infectious disease that can attack the nervous system and be fatal. It's typically spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a dog, cat, bat, or other wild mammals. The virus can lie dormant for weeks or even months, but initial signs can appear and progress rapidly. Prompt medical care, including post-exposure vaccination, is crucial as rabies is preventable.

Here are 6 early warning signs of rabies you shouldn't ignore if you've been in contact with a potentially infected animal:

Tingling or pain around the bite area. One of the earliest and most easily overlooked signs of rabies is localized tingling or pain around the area of the animal bite or scratch. This sensation typically begins within a few days or weeks after exposure to the virus and can cause a pins-and-needles feeling, burning, or numbness. This is due to the rabies virus starting to attack the peripheral nerves at the site of the wound. People often dismiss this symptom or mistake it for the normal wound healing process.

Fever and early flu-like symptoms. Initially, rabies can mimic a common viral illness, making it difficult to identify. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, and weakness. These flu-like signs usually appear within a few days to a week after the virus enters the body. If you've had contact with an animal and develop these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical attention, even if the wound has healed.

Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing. As the rabies virus continues to spread through the nervous system, it can lead to difficulty swallowing, often accompanied by excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth. This occurs because the muscles that control swallowing in the throat become paralyzed, making it difficult or even impossible to swallow even small sips of water. Infected individuals may choke or gag when attempting to eat or drink.

Fear of water (hydrophobia). Individuals with rabies may experience anxiety, panic, or terror at the thought or sight of water. This isn't just a psychological issue; it's likely due to the painful throat spasms that occur when trying to swallow, triggering a fear response. This intense reaction is a warning sign of rabies in its advanced stages.

Agitation, confusion, or anxiety. Rabies doesn't just affect the body; it also impacts the mind. As the infection progresses, the virus travels to the brain, leading to severe neurological symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, irritability, agitation, hallucinations, and extreme restlessness. In some cases, individuals may become aggressive or difficult to control. These mental changes are often mistaken for psychiatric conditions or drug-related issues, but those recently bitten by an animal should be wary.

Muscle spasms and partial paralysis may occur. Another late-stage symptom is muscle spasms, particularly in the neck and back, which can be painful and uncontrollable. As the disease advances, paralysis may begin in the area near the bite and spread throughout the body. This paralysis becomes increasingly severe, leading to coma and ultimately death if left untreated. This is a sign that the virus has severely affected the central nervous system and is reaching its final stages.

Bao Bao (Times of India)