Death usually occurs within 3 to 5 days from exhaustion, general
paralysis, or asphyxiation.
d. Symptoms in Animals. The symptoms of rabies in animals occur in three
Prodromal stage. The prodromal stage lasts from 2 to 3 days and
consists in dilated pupils and fever.
Excitation stage. The second stage, which lasts from 3 to 7 days, is the
excitation stage. This is the most dangerous stage, during which the disease may take
two forms.
-- In the "furious" form the animal become vicious and agitated, biting
obsessively at both animate and inanimate objects. Paralysis of the pharyngeal
muscles causes excessive salivation, or frothing at the mouth.
-- In the "dumb" form, the animal is lethargic and has a dropped lower
jaw. This form is particularly dangerous in the case of wild animals, who appear to be
tame, whereas they are actually ill with rabies and may bite if approached.
Paralytic stage. The third stage, which lasts 1 to 4 days, is the paralytic
stage, characterized by paralysis of the neck and jaw, general paralysis, and death.
7-11. RABIES PREVENTION
a. Prevention. Since there is no known cure for rabies (the one documented
survivor was saved by symptomatic treatment consisting of respiratory and cardiac
support), prevention is paramount. Essential preventive measures include animal
control and prophylaxis.
b. Animal Control. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies, registered, and
licensed, in congested areas, they should be kept on leashes unless confined to the
owner's property. Dogs and cats that have been bitten by a rabid animal should be
destroyed or detained for 6 months in a pound or kennel. Stray dogs should be
collected and destroyed. Dogs known to have bitten persons should be detained alive
for 10 days. If the dog was infective at the time of the bite, symptoms of rabies will
appear within 10 days. If it is not possible to capture the animal alive, the head should
be sent intact, packed in ice, to an appropriate laboratory for examination.
c. Prophylaxis.
(1) Immunization. Immunization of the general population against rabies is
NOT warranted. Persons at high risk, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and
certain laboratory workers, should be protected against exposure to rabies by pre-
exposure immunization. Otherwise, rabies immunization is administered after
exposure.
MD0152
7-10