Vízellenesség

Vízellenesség, also known as hydrophobia or rabies, is a severe viral disease that primarily affects mammals, including humans. The term originates from the Greek words *hydro-* (water) and *-phobia* (fear), referencing a historical misconception that victims feared water due to throat spasms caused by the disease. Rabies is caused by the lyssavirus, a single-stranded RNA virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches.

The disease progresses in three stages: the prodromal (early) phase, characterized by nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue; the acute neurological phase, marked by neurological dysfunctions like confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and hypersensitivity to stimuli; and the final paralytic stage, where paralysis and coma develop before death. Without treatment, rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.

Prevention relies on vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups such as veterinarians, wildlife workers, and travelers to endemic regions. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), involving wound cleaning, vaccination, and immune globulin administration, is critical if exposure occurs. Rabies can be diagnosed through laboratory tests, including fluorescence antibody testing of skin biopsy samples or viral RNA detection in saliva.

Control efforts focus on vaccinating domestic animals, particularly dogs, which are responsible for the majority of human rabies cases globally. Public awareness campaigns and strict animal quarantine laws also play key roles in reducing transmission. While rare in many developed countries due to effective vaccination programs, rabies remains a significant public health concern in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.