Rabies
Common ConditionFatal viral disease transmitted through animal bites. Immediate treatment after exposure is critical as the disease is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.
Related specialists:Infectious disease physician
Symptoms
Tingling at bite site
Fever
Headache
Anxiety and confusion
Difficulty swallowing
Fear of water (hydrophobia)
Hallucinations
Partial paralysis
Aggression
Coma and death if untreated
Causes
1
Rabies virus2
Dog bites (most common in Philippines)3
Cat bites and scratches4
Bat bites5
Contact with infected animal saliva6
Wild animal bites7
Organ transplant (rare)8
Unprovoked animal attacks9
Stray animal contact10
Unvaccinated pet bitesTreatments
Immediate wound washing (15 minutes)
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG)
Rabies vaccine series
Pre-exposure vaccination for high-risk
Supportive care if symptomatic (rarely survivable)
Treating wound infection
Tetanus prophylaxis
Animal observation
Prevention through pet vaccination
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical care after ANY animal bite, especially from dogs, cats, or wild animals. Don't wait for symptoms—once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
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Rabies: A Preventable But Fatal Disease
Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable with prompt treatment after exposure. Wash wounds immediately and seek post-exposure prophylaxis after any animal bite.
"Kapag nakagat, agad na magpatingin—ang rabies ay walang lunas kapag nahuli."
Specialists Who Commonly Treat Rabies
Based on related specialties
