Group Presentation (5): Rabies

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and implications related to rabies, as presented in the lecture.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans

What virus causes rabies?

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family

What are the primary animal reservoirs of rabies in the United States?

The primary reservoirs are raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats

What is the estimated global mortality due to rabies annually?

Approximately 59,000 deaths worldwide annually

Which regions account for 95% of rabies cases?

95% of rabies cases occur in Africa and Asia

What is the Milwaukee Protocol?

The Milwaukee Protocol is a treatment approach used on a girl who survived rabies after being bitten by a rabid bat, involving induced coma and antivirals

How is rabies primarily transmitted?

Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches

What is the typical incubation period for rabies?

The incubation period typically ranges from 30 to 90 days but can vary from as few as 5 days to over 2 years

What is the economic impact of rabies globally?

The economic impact is about $8.6 billion per year

What kind of test is used as the 'Gold Standard' for diagnosing rabies post-mortem?

The Direct Fluorescent Test is considered the 'Gold Standard' for post-mortem rabies diagnosis

What is recommended for rabies prevention in humans?

Spread awareness, stock vaccines, and create proper medical infrastructure

Why is canine vaccination important for rabies elimination?

Consistent vaccination of 70% or more of the canine population can nearly eliminate dog-mediated human rabies

What are pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations for rabies?

A 2-dose vaccination that protects for 3 years, recommended for those at risk