Rabies from Dog Bites
Rabies is a deadly infection of the nervous system caused by the rabies virus. This virus can infect any mammal, which can then transmit the virus to you through its saliva. Although wild animals typically carry rabies more frequently than pets, you can contract this virus from the bite of domestic animals like dogs.
Dogs can pick up the rabies virus if they are bitten by a rabid wild animal, such as a skunk or opossum. Additionally, the virus survives in its host for up to 24 hours after the host's death, so if a dog comes across a fresh carcass infected with rabies, licking or chewing on the carcass can also cause transmission.
Once in the dog, the virus will incubate for 3-8 weeks. Next, the virus reaches the brain, where it then travels to the saliva. In dogs, the virus will first show itself with erratic or abnormal behavior, such as a typically docile dog becoming aggressive. After, the animal becomes restless, hypersensitive, and irritable. They may either have seizures and die after this phase, or they can slowly lose the ability to breathe and die from respiratory failure.
If you are bitten by a dog with rabies, the saliva can carry the rabies virus from the dog to your bloodstream. If you are even the slightest bit unsure about whether or not the animal has rabies, you should visit the doctor immediately. You can receive rabies shots and vaccines to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, if you wait until you show symptoms of rabies, it is often too late.
If possible, the animal that bit you should be observed for about ten days to see if it exhibits signs of rabies. This can help determine whether or not you were exposed to the virus. Additionally, to protect their pets from rabies, dog owners should have their animals vaccinated. This can in turn protect humans from rabies as well.
If you have been exposed to rabies due to a negligent pet owner, you should fight back in order to discourage future carelessness. To discuss your case, contact an experienced Danville dog bite lawyer from Spiros Law, P.C., today.
Dogs can pick up the rabies virus if they are bitten by a rabid wild animal, such as a skunk or opossum. Additionally, the virus survives in its host for up to 24 hours after the host's death, so if a dog comes across a fresh carcass infected with rabies, licking or chewing on the carcass can also cause transmission.
Once in the dog, the virus will incubate for 3-8 weeks. Next, the virus reaches the brain, where it then travels to the saliva. In dogs, the virus will first show itself with erratic or abnormal behavior, such as a typically docile dog becoming aggressive. After, the animal becomes restless, hypersensitive, and irritable. They may either have seizures and die after this phase, or they can slowly lose the ability to breathe and die from respiratory failure.
If you are bitten by a dog with rabies, the saliva can carry the rabies virus from the dog to your bloodstream. If you are even the slightest bit unsure about whether or not the animal has rabies, you should visit the doctor immediately. You can receive rabies shots and vaccines to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, if you wait until you show symptoms of rabies, it is often too late.
If possible, the animal that bit you should be observed for about ten days to see if it exhibits signs of rabies. This can help determine whether or not you were exposed to the virus. Additionally, to protect their pets from rabies, dog owners should have their animals vaccinated. This can in turn protect humans from rabies as well.
If you have been exposed to rabies due to a negligent pet owner, you should fight back in order to discourage future carelessness. To discuss your case, contact an experienced Danville dog bite lawyer from Spiros Law, P.C., today.
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