The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-27

By William Litterer, A. M, Ph. C., M.
 D., Nashville, Tenn, Professor of Bac-
 teriology at Vanderbilt School of Med
 icine.
 9N ABIES is transmitted to human be- lN[ ings through inoculation with Ss virus (saliva) from infected ani- mals, usually dogs. That animals possess the ability to transmit the disease with out being previously exposed, l. e., spon- taneously, as the popular belief goes, is an erroneous and unfounded conclusion.
 In Australia the disease is unknown. No case west of the Rockies has ever been reported until quite recently, when an epidemic occurred in Los Angeles caused by an infected dog having been brought from the east In England rabies has been entirely eradicated, due to the fact that careful supervision of dogs, enforcement of muzzling laws, and strict legislation regarding the importa- ton of dogs cats and other animals that are likely to transmit the disease, are rigidly adhered to.
 When infection occurs following the 
 noted for a variable length of time. de- pending upon the severity of the bite, To- cation of the wound, etc. An infected wound on the head, neck and face is usually followed within a shorter period by symptoms of the disease than a wound on the hand or foot. The period of time that elapses between the biting of the animal and the development in the individual, or incubation period, varies from 10 days to two years-the majority of cases occurring before the end of three months-average time about P days.
 Although the animal may appear healthy, he is capable of transmitting the disease to human beings during 10 days immediately prior to the appearance of the initial symptoms.
 The first noticeable change due to ra- bies is marked by either a morose, sullen or irritable condition, or by an unusual affection and playfulness and increased desire to be petted Fatal infections of man have occurred during this seemingly harmless stage
 Rabies present at least two clinical types: these are the Q) excited or flu rious rage," and the @ paralytic or "calm rage"
 It is essential to know that moditica- tions of the two above types are often met with, sometimes making it quite diff ficult to render definite diagnosis with out microscopic test.
 It should be a very good rule to fol- low to not render yourself liable to ex- posture to any animal that is ailing un- less you know absolutely the cause of the ailment.
 Later there is marked change in the voice to a hoarse howl, followed by an unequal series of barks, etc. A rabid dog becomes restless, lying down and getting up again repeatedly.
 After one to three days this period changes to one lasting usually from three to five days. which from the suddenly occurring paroxysms, is especially char acteristic of the raging type" Here a great inclination to wander about and to bite is manifested. The animal becomes angry without provocation. prone to bite other animals or objects, and passes on. He shows no fright. but simply runs mad looks sick and emaciated, and ap- pears disinterested Swallowing is diffi- cult and, later in the disease, impossible. Convulsions may now appear and the dog often dies in one. A special fear of water does not exist The sight of water never throws them into fit as is popu- larly supposed They will often try to drink, which they may or may not suc- ceed in doing, simply depending upon the stage of the disease. Not infre- quently streams are crossed without hes itation. The term hydrophobia meaning and should be discarded particularly when applied to lower animals. It is only in the human being that dread of water (hydrophobia) exists Not only the sight of any kind of liquids, but even the mere mention of them will serve tc | throw the person into convulsions. ] Mad dogs are not necessarily wild-eyed or reen-eyed, nor do they run along in l a straight line and carry the tail down between the legs. They may or may noI l howl or make noise on being struck l Very often they will eat sticks. gravel dirt. etc. They sometimes will eat food up to the very last. Not all mad dogs | froth or foam at the mouth. In fact
 less than half will manifest this symp-
 tom. Poisoning (strychnine or arsenic) not infrequently causes frothing. l The second or paralytic stage presents symptoms equally characteritic.s The an imal drags himself to secluded spot; the hind legs become paralyzed first, fol lowed closely by the muscles of the jaw l Saliva drops from the mouth and tht
 dog is unable to snap. Spasms and con.
 vulsions are very freqeunt in this stage