Rabies

Question 1

Rabies is caused by a:
A. Bacteria
B. Virus
C. Parasite
D. Fungus

Answer 1

B. Virus

Question 2

The rabies virus is transmitted in the _____ of infected animals. People usually become infected with the virus by being bitten by an infected animal, but any contact with the ______ of an infected animal (alive or dead) can potentially lead to infection if the person has an opening in the skin or the saliva gets into their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Answer 2

Saliva

Question 3

True or False: You can get rabies from the blood, urine, or feces of a rabid animal, or from just touching or petting an animal.

Answer 3

False: You CANNOT get rabies from the blood, urine, or feces of a rabid animal, or from just touching or petting an animal.

Question 4

The incubation period of rabies is more variable than with other infections. The incubation period in humans is usually _______, but ranges from days to years.

Answer 4

several weeks to months

Question 5

True or False: Once the symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Rabies attacks which part of the human body?

Answer 6

The CNS (Brain and spinal cord)

Question 7

Is there a rabies vaccine?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

Is rabies common in the US? Why or why not?

Answer 8

Rabies isn’t common in the US because most people are vaccinated against rabies.

Question 9

True or false: The rabies virus used to be a disease found mainly in domesticated animals. Now it is a disease found mainly in wild animals.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What should you do if you have been bitten by a possible carrier of rabies, like a raccoon or bat?

Answer 10

Wash the area immediately with soap and water for 5 minutes, then seek medical attention ASAP (within 24-48 hours) and notify the health department.

Question 11

True or False: Laboratory tests can detect the rabies virus in its early stages.

Answer 11

False. It can detect it only in the late stages.

Question 12

The post exposure treatment for rabies in the US consists of one dose of ________ and a series of rabies vaccinations.

Answer 12

Immune globulin (a blood product containing antibodies to rabies virus)

Question 13

Where is the rabies vaccine given?

Answer 13

Deltoid muscle

Question 14

Both brands of the rabies vaccine are _____ vaccines.
A. Live attenuated
B. Inactivated
C. Conjugate

Answer 14

B. Inactivated

Question 15

Where is the rabies immune globulin shot be given as post exposure treatment?

Answer 15

It should be given in or near the wound.

Question 16

The first dose of the rabies vaccination as post exposure treatment should be given as soon as possible. When should the next 3 doses be given?

Answer 16

Additional doses should be given on days three, seven, and 14 after the first shot.

Question 17

If you have been immunized against rabies and you get bitten, are you protected completely?

Answer 17

No. If bitten, a vaccinated person should receive two more doses of rabies vaccine; one dose immediately and one three days later.

Question 18

If you have been immunized against rabies and you get bitten, do you still need immune globulin?

Answer 18

No, just a simplified 2 dose series of the vaccine.

Question 19

Can a pregnant woman receive the rabies vaccine if exposed to rabies?

Answer 19

Yes (bc it’s inactivated)

Question 20

Should everyone in the population be vaccinated against rabies?

Answer 20

No.

Question 21

Can the rabies vaccine cause rabies?

Answer 21

No.