TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Causes of Rabies
2. Incubation Period & Transmission Sources
3. Risk Factors
4. Symptoms of Rabies
5. Diagnosis of Rabies
6. First Aid & Treatment
7. Complication of Rabies
8. Prevention of Rabies
9. FAQs

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Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and nervous system. The rabies virus, Lyssavirus, is transmitted to humans primarily through animal bites, making it a zoonotic disease. 

In Indonesia, it’s often called “mad dog disease” because dogs are the most common carriers, but other animals like cats, bats, and monkeys can also spread the virus.

Transmission occurs via infected saliva, usually from a bite, scratch, or lick on broken skin. Unvaccinated animals, especially wildlife, carry the highest risk.

Causes of Rabies

The disease is caused by the Lyssavirus, which spreads when the saliva of an infected animal enters a person’s body. 

Besides bites, it can also enter through open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth) if the animal licks a vulnerable area.

All mammals can carry rabies. Common transmitters include:

• Domestic and farm animals: dogs, cats, cattle, goats, horses, civets
• Wild animals: bats, otters, foxes, monkeys, raccoons, skunks

Rarely, rabies has been transmitted through transplanted infected tissue or organs.

Incubation Period & Transmission Sources

Rabies incubation, the time from exposure to symptoms, may varies. In animals, it’s typically 3–8 weeks; in humans, about 2–8 weeks, but it can range from 10 days to 2 years.

Common sources of infection include dogs, cats, and monkeys. 

After exposure, the virus may linger at the entry site for about two weeks before traveling to nerve endings and eventually reaching the brain, where it multiplies and spreads to the nervous system and other organs.

Risk Factors

You’re more at risk if you:

• Live in or travel to areas where rabies is common
• Have contact with wild animals (e.g., bats in caves)
• Work as a veterinarian or in a diagnostic lab
• Have an open skin wound
• Receive an organ transplant from an infected donor.

Symptoms of Rabies

Symptoms typically appear 3–12 weeks after exposure. Early signs include:

• Fever
• Headache
• General discomfort
• Pain or tingling at the bite site

Later signs can include:

• Confusion or aggressive behavior
• Hallucinations
• Excessive saliva and drooling
• Muscle spasms
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Paralysis.

Diagnosis of Rabies

There’s no definitive pre-symptom test. Diagnosis is generally based on clinical signs and exposure history, including:

• Examining the bite, scratch, or wound’s severity.
  • Low: lick or contact on intact skin
  • Medium: bite or scratch without bleeding
  • High: bite/scratch causing bleeding or involving mucous membranes

• Blood antibody testing to assess immune response
• Brain inflammation detection via CT or MRI
• Biopsy of wound tissue
• Saliva testing for viral culture or PCR

Veterinarians may monitor the animal for 10 days; regardless of its health, post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.

First Aid & Treatment

If bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal:

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
• Wash the wound with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes.
• Apply povidone-iodine or 70% alcohol.
• Seek medical care immediately. Treatment includes wound cleaning, rabies immunoglobulin, and vaccination.

Early treatment helps the immune system prevent the virus from reaching the brain.

Complications of Rabies

If untreated, rabies can cause serious neurological issues such as:

• Distonia (involuntary muscle contractions)
• Ballismus (wild, uncontrolled movements)
• Choreoathetosis (jerking movements)
• Impaired fine motor skills
• Verbal and non-verbal communication problems
• Gait disturbances
• Muscle weakness in limbs.

Prevention of Rabies

Ways to prevent rabies include:

• Vaccinating dogs, cats, and other pets annually
• Avoiding contact between pets and wild animals
• Sealing home entry points against wildlife
• Getting vaccinated if you’re traveling or working around animals
• Seeking immediate medical attention after any animal bite or scratch

Annual vaccination of pets and prompt response to exposures are key to stopping rabies spread.

Don’t hesitate to contact our English-speaking doctor on Halodoc to get more detailed information about rabies.

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References:

CDC. Accessed 2025. What is Rabies?

Mayo Clinic. Accessed 2025. Rabies.

NHS UK. Accessed 2025. Rabies.

Healthline. Accessed 2025. How to Treat a Dog Bite.

Verywell Health. Accessed 2025. Rabies Symptoms

FAQs

1. Can rabies be treated?

There’s no cure once symptoms begin. However, post-exposure prophylaxis—vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG)—can prevent the virus from developing when given promptly after exposure.

2. What is the rabies incubation period?

It varies from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors like bite location and viral load.

3. What should I do if bitten by a dog?

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 10–15 minutes, apply antiseptic, and seek immediate medical attention.

4. Is the rabies vaccine safe?

Yes. The rabies vaccine is generally safe and effective, with mild side effects such as injection-site soreness or low-grade fever.