Which disease is characterized by hydrophobia and rapidly progressive encephalitis following exposure?

Which disease is characterized by hydrophobia and rapidly progressive encephalitis following exposure?

• A. Rabies
• B. Mumps
• C. Meningitis
• D. Encephalitis

Answer: (A)

Hydrophobia is a classic sign of rabies, a zoonotic viral encephalitis transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. After an exposure, the virus travels to the central nervous system, and once symptoms begin, the illness typically progresses rapidly toward encephalitis and death. The hydrophobic presentation—painful throat spasms and fear of water during attempts to drink—is characteristic of the furious form of rabies. Other conditions can cause encephalitis or meningitis, but they do not produce hydrophobia and are not specifically linked to a recent animal exposure. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis with wound care, rabies vaccine, and immunoglobulin can prevent disease; once rabies symptoms start, outcomes are unfortunately poor, and care is primarily supportive.

Hydrophobia is a classic sign of rabies, a zoonotic viral encephalitis transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. After an exposure, the virus travels to the central nervous system, and once symptoms begin, the illness typically progresses rapidly toward encephalitis and death. The hydrophobic presentation—painful throat spasms and fear of water during attempts to drink—is characteristic of the furious form of rabies. Other conditions can cause encephalitis or meningitis, but they do not produce hydrophobia and are not specifically linked to a recent animal exposure. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis with wound care, rabies vaccine, and immunoglobulin can prevent disease; once rabies symptoms start, outcomes are unfortunately poor, and care is primarily supportive.