Rabies Cases on the Rise in Europe
Outbreak in Italy Prompts Health Officials to Issue Warning
The European Union has reported five human cases of Lyssavirus infections in 2019, including four travel-related cases in Italy. This is a concerning increase from the three imported cases reported in 2014. Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system and can lead to paralysis and death if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of Rabies
The symptoms of rabies typically develop within 10 days to two months after exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hallucinations
- Paralysis
- Death
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