What are the Symptoms of Rabies?
The initial symptoms of rabies are non-specific but may progress to mild fever, anxiety, agitation, hydrophobia, aerophobia, etc.
Usually the incubation period of rabies is 1–3 months, but may vary from less than 1 week to more than 1 year.
The initial symptoms of rabies are usually non-specific and suggest involvement of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and/or central nervous systems. Symptoms include-
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain and tingling at the site of the bite
Ten days later, the patient may experience-
- Anxiety, agitation or depression
- Hallucinations
- Bizarre behavior
- Drooling
- Convulsions
- Increased excitability, which is the hallmark of the condition
- Hydrophobia (fear of water) is present in half the patients. This is usually due to a difficulty with swallowing.
- Aerophobia (fear of fresh air) is considered a characteristic feature of rabies
- The patient goes on to develop fits and respiratory paralysis.
Death usually occurs within 10-14 days. Without intensive care, death occurs during the first seven days of illness.