Doctor, Doctor...

By Dave Hall

For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.

This week: RABIES.

Condition – Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain. It used to be called hydrophobia, because sufferers become terrified of water. Most human deaths occur in Africa, Asia and S. America. India alone has some 30,000 deaths every year.
Contagion – Bats, foxes, dogs or cats can be infected by the virus and transmit the disease to humans. After being bitten, the virus goes into the central nervous system. Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes rapid inflammation, leading to death in two to ten days.
Danger of death – Only six humans are known to have survived rabies after the onset of symptoms and without treatment. And of those that made it, all were left with severe brain damage with the recent exception of Jeanna Giese – who survived following 30 days induced coma.
Incurability? – There is no known cure for symptomatic rabies, but it can be prevented by vaccination. There are pre- and post-exposure vaccinations available – but the latter needs to be given within fourteen days of being bitten for it to work.
Likelihood of getting time off work – Because death results quickly after the first symptoms; by the time you’ve got a doctor’s note it’ll be too late mate.
Brag-ability – Great if you survive it as you can talk about rabid dogs, vampire bats or salivating wolves – not so great if you don’t.
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		Overall ridiculousness – Hardly a laughing matter if you’re bitten and infected, but if you’re prepared when you travel to far-flung places, you’ll be just fine. Heeeerrrreeee Fido.

More conditions to come soon:

Bubble syndrome, Ebola and more.

Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a phunny phobia to keep you going?

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