Understanding Rabies: What It Is, How It Spreads, and How to Stay Safe.

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Rabies is a very serious virus that can make both people and

animals very sick. It spreads when an animal with rabies bites or scratches someone. The virus enters the body through the animal’s saliva. Rabies is dangerous because once a person starts to feel sick, it almost always leads to death if they don’t get treatment in time.

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After a person or animal is bitten, the rabies virus travels slowly through the body to the brain. This can take a few weeks or sometimes months, depending on how bad the bite was and where it happened on the body. While the virus is traveling, the person usually does not feel any symptoms. But once it reaches the brain, it causes serious illness.

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The first signs of rabies are usually fever, tiredness, and pain or a strange feeling where the bite happened. As the virus affects the brain, the person may become very confused, scared, or have trouble swallowing. One strange symptom of rabies is fear of water, called hydrophobia, because swallowing becomes painful. Animals with rabies may act very differently than usual. They might become aggressive, bite without warning, or seem very weak and sick.

Many animals can carry rabies. In some countries, dogs are the most common source of rabies for people. In the United States and other places, wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes often have rabies. Sometimes a person can get rabies from a tiny bat bite that they did not even notice.

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The good news is that rabies can be prevented if a person gets help quickly after a bite. If someone is bitten by an animal that might have rabies, they should wash the wound with soap and water right away. Then, they need to go to a doctor to get special rabies shots called vaccines. These vaccines stop the virus from causing sickness if given before symptoms start. This treatment is called post-exposure prophylaxis, and it works very well when done early.

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Vaccinating pets, especially dogs and cats, helps stop rabies from spreading. It is also important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals that might have rabies. Teaching children and adults not to touch unknown animals can help keep everyone safe.

In conclusion, rabies is a very dangerous virus that can cause death, but it is also preventable. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, especially a wild or stray animal, wash the wound carefully and get medical help right away. With quick treatment and prevention, rabies can be stopped from spreading and harming people.

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I'm Edgar Gonzalez, a junior at Poudre High School. This is my first year writing for the Poudre Press. In my column, I cover topics about animal viruses. I also wrestle for Poudre High School. When I graduate from Poudre High School I want to work in the trades as either an Electrician or a Plumber.