Does a rabies patient really start barking like a dog? Know the truth behind it from a neurologist:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Rabies is an extremely dangerous and fatal disease, which is usually spread by the bite of an infected animal (especially a dog). In rural areas and on social media, it is often claimed that a person suffering from rabies starts barking like a dog or his actions become completely like animals. But is there any scientific truth in this? The country’s well-known neurologist has exposed this myth and explained in detail the real symptoms of rabies.

Does the patient really ‘bark’? doctor’s answer

According to neurologist, this is a Completely wrong belief (Myth) It is said that a rabies patient barks like a dog. Actually, the reason behind this is physical and not behavioral.

Throat muscle cramps: In the last stages of rabies, the patient’s throat muscles (Laryngeal muscles) start experiencing intense spasms and paralysis.

Change in voice: When the patient tries to breathe or speak, due to this tightness in the throat, the sound coming out of his mouth is no longer normal. This sound is harsh and broken, hearing which people unknowingly mistake it for a ‘barking’ sound.

Real and Scary Symptoms of Rabies

Rabies virus directly transmitted to humans central nervous system Attacks the brain and spinal cord. Its main symptoms are as follows:

Hydrophobia: This is the most recognizable symptom of rabies. The patient becomes afraid of seeing or drinking water. When he tries to force water down his throat, he experiences unbearable pain and cramps.

Aerophobia: The patient starts feeling fear and restlessness even with fresh air or gusts of fan.

Excessive Salivation: Due to loss of ability to swallow, saliva starts accumulating in the patient’s mouth and it starts falling out.

Confusion and aggression: The patient becomes very irritable, starts having hallucinations and may behave aggressively.

prevention is the only cure

Doctors say that once the symptoms of rabies start appearing, there is no cure for it and it proves to be almost 100% fatal. so:

Immediate Vaccination: It is mandatory to get anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) immediately after a dog or wild animal bite (without waiting for symptoms).

Wound cleaning: Wash the bite site immediately with running water and soap for at least 10-15 minutes.

Pet vaccinations: Get your pet dogs and cats vaccinated on time.