Veszettség

Veszettség is the Hungarian word for rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal, with the virus entering the body through saliva. Once in the bloodstream, the rabies virus travels to the brain, where it causes inflammation and severe neurological damage.

Symptoms of rabies in animals can vary but often include behavioral changes such as aggression, unusual tameness, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, initial symptoms can resemble those of the flu, including fever, headache, and a general feeling of malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms emerge, such as anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and hydrophobia (fear of water), due to difficulty swallowing. Paralysis and coma typically follow, leading to death if not treated promptly.

Rabies is nearly always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, it is a preventable disease. Vaccination of domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, is a cornerstone of rabies control. Public awareness campaigns educating people about avoiding contact with wild animals and seeking immediate medical attention after a potential exposure are also crucial. Post-exposure prophylaxis, which involves a series of vaccinations and sometimes rabies immunoglobulin, is highly effective in preventing the onset of the disease in humans if administered before symptoms develop. Global efforts aim to eliminate rabies through coordinated vaccination programs and surveillance.