Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in warm-blooded animals. The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from one species to another, such as from dogs to humans, commonly by a bite from an infected animal. For a human, rabies is almost invariably fatal if postexposure prophylaxis is not administered prior to the onset of severe symptoms. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The rabies virus travels to the brain by following the peripheral nerves. The incubation period of the disease is usually a few months in humans, depending on the distance the virus must travel to reach the central nervous system. Once the rabies virus reaches the central nervous system and symptoms begin to show, the infection is effectively untreatable and usually fatal within days.
Early-stage symptoms of rabies are malaise, headache and fever, progressing to acute pain, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, depression, and hydrophobia. Finally, the patient may experience periods of mania and lethargy, eventually leading to coma. The primary cause of death is usually respiratory insufficiency.
It is imperative to keep your pet's rabies vaccination up todate. Please report any bites or suspicious behavior of domestic or wild animals to the Animal Warden at 440-526-8900.
Brecksville City Hall
9069 Brecksville Rd. Brecksville, OH 44141
Phone: 440-526-4351
Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday - Friday
Email: information@brecksville.oh.us
The City of Brecksville was founded in 1811. It was incorporated as a village under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1921 and attained City status in 1960 by virtue of its population exceeding 5,000. [Read More]
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