Animal Bite Infections: Trivia Quiz!

Explanation
Rabies is a viral disease that is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals, particularly through bites. However, it can also be transmitted through contact with infected tissues or organs, such as the brain or spinal cord, which may contain the virus in high concentrations. Although blood can potentially contain the rabies virus, it is not a primary mode of transmission. Therefore, blood is not a way to spread rabies.

Explanation
Fever is not a symptom of the prodromal phase of rabies. The prodromal phase of rabies is characterized by non-specific symptoms such as headache, fever, and malaise. However, fever is not always present during this phase. Other symptoms that may be present include anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. It is important to note that the prodromal phase is followed by the acute neurological phase, where symptoms such as hydrophobia, hallucinations, and paralysis occur.

Explanation
Dilated pupils are indeed a symptom of the furious phase of rabies. During this phase, which occurs after the initial prodromal phase, the patient may exhibit aggressive and hyperactive behavior. Dilated pupils are commonly observed in this phase due to the excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This symptom is indicative of the neurological effects of the rabies virus on the body.

Explanation
During the furious phase of rabies, the affected individual typically experiences anxiety and hyperalertness. This is because rabies affects the central nervous system, leading to agitation, restlessness, and increased sensitivity to stimuli. Anxiety is a common symptom, as the person may feel a sense of impending doom or fear. Hyperalertness refers to an increased state of awareness and vigilance, where the individual may be constantly on edge and easily startled. These facial expressions are indicative of the intense neurological symptoms experienced during the furious phase of rabies.

Explanation
The statement is false because the raising of the upper jaw is actually a symptom of the furious phase of rabies, not the paralytic phase. In the furious phase, the infected individual may exhibit aggressive behavior, excessive salivation, and muscle spasms, including the raising of the upper jaw. In the paralytic phase, on the other hand, the individual experiences muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing.

Explanation
Staring is not a sign of aggression in dogs. While growling, snapping, lunging, baring teeth, and blocking your path can all be signs of aggression, staring is not necessarily aggressive behavior. Dogs may stare for various reasons such as curiosity, attention-seeking, or simply observing their surroundings. Aggression in dogs is more commonly displayed through vocalizations, physical displays, and direct physical contact rather than just staring.

Explanation
When a cat is showing signs of aggression, its tail may straighten out and become stiff or bristled. This is a defensive posture that indicates the cat is ready to attack or defend itself. The bristled fur on the tail is a result of the cat puffing up its fur in order to appear larger and more intimidating.

Explanation
The brain generates the best results when testing for rabies because the virus primarily affects the central nervous system. Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and severe neurological symptoms. Therefore, testing the brain tissue allows for a more accurate detection of the virus and confirmation of the disease. Other organs may also show signs of the virus, but the brain is the most reliable and specific organ for diagnosing rabies.

Explanation
Inconclusive tests are treated as positive for rabies because the consequences of a false negative are too severe. Rabies is a highly dangerous and deadly disease, and if a test result is inconclusive, it is better to err on the side of caution and assume that the animal is positive for rabies. This ensures that appropriate measures can be taken to protect public health and prevent the spread of the disease.