Can I get rabies from a dog bite?

Just as most people choose to stay up to date on their vaccinations, so too do most pet owners take care of their animals’ required shots. In Illinois, domestic dogs are required to have rabies vaccinations to prevent them from developing the dangerous and life-threatening disease. Unlike some illnesses that canines carry, rabies can be transmitted from dogs to humans through saliva and bites.

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous systems of its victims. A person who contracts rabies may not know they have it, but, according to WebMD, more than 99 percent of people left untreated who experience symptoms of rabies will die.

Symptoms include common stress disorders like anxiety and insomnia. People who have contracted rabies may experience partial paralysis and may have difficulty swallowing. They may also find that their bodies are producing more saliva that normal and that they are more agitated than normal. Symptoms can also include common flu or cold symptoms, like fever and exhaustion.

Fortunately, a person who is exposed to rabies and receives treatment before symptoms arise can experience a full recovery. For that reason, it is imperative that individuals who have suffered dog bites and animal attacks seek medical attention to be assessed.

Being assessed and treated for rabies after an animal bite can be a painful and stressful process. Anyone who has been victimized by an animal should take the time to learn about their legal options. With the help of personal injury attorneys, they may be able to recover their damages and begin the process of healing from their ordeals.