Rabies Infection: Does It Really Make People Bark Like Dogs?

Rabies is a terrifying disease, but there are several myths surrounding it. One of the most bizarre is the belief that people infected with rabies begin to bark like dogs. This belief has been popular in many cultures in Nigeria, where rabies awareness is often linked to fear and superstition. But how true is this? Does rabies actually make humans behave like dogs?

In this article, we will address this myth, explain what rabies does to the human body, and the idea of barking humans as a result of rabies infection.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, often dogs, bats, or other mammals. The virus attacks the central nervous system, causing inflammation in the brain, which can lead to serious symptoms and eventually death if untreated. ^[1]

According to health experts, once rabies symptoms start to show, survival is rare. However, early treatment with a vaccine can prevent the disease from progressing. In Nigeria, rabies is a public health concern, especially in areas where dogs roam freely.

Symptoms of Rabies in Humans

Rabies doesn’t immediately show symptoms after an individual is infected. There is an incubation period, which may last for weeks or even months, during which the virus travels through the body to the brain. Once it reaches the brain, the symptoms become apparent, and they can be severe.^[2] Some of these symptoms include:

• Fever and headache
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion and hallucinations
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)

Other classic signs of rabies include loss of appetite, weakness, seizures and sudden death.

Do Infected People Bark Like Dogs?

This is where the myth gets tricky. Rabies causes brain inflammation, leading to erratic behavior, agitation, and even aggression. These symptoms may resemble the behavior of a rabid animal, like a dog. In severe cases, individuals may make unusual sounds (that may sound like barking) due to muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, or swallowing, but this is not the same as barking like a dog. ^[3]

The idea of humans barking like dogs when infected with rabies likely stems from confusion and fear. People may mistake certain vocalizations or erratic behaviors for "barking." But scientifically, there is no evidence that rabies causes humans to mimic dog sounds.

Where Did This Myth Originate?

The misconception likely comes from a combination of factors, including cultural beliefs, fear of the disease, and misunderstanding of its symptoms. In Nigeria and many other parts of the world, rabies is often associated with dogs, and as a result, people associate rabies symptoms with dog-like behavior.

Movies and folklore have also contributed to this misconception, portraying infected individuals as behaving like wild animals, which has led many to believe in exaggerated symptoms.

How Rabies is Treated

The good news is that rabies is preventable with timely treatment. If bitten by a dog or any potentially rabid animal, immediate action is crucial. Here’s what to do:

1. Wash the Wound: Clean the bite area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a hospital or clinic immediately to get a rabies vaccine. In Nigeria, vaccines are available in many healthcare centers.
3. Monitor the Animal: If possible, observe the animal that bit you. If it shows signs of rabies, this helps in confirming the risk of infection.

What should a dog owner do if the animal comes down with rabies or starts exhibiting the symptoms?

Firstly, the dog owner should limit all human contact with any suspected dog. Such dogs should be isolated and not allowed to roam. Then, the dog owner should report such a case to the nearest veterinary hospital where appropriate procedures will be taken to observe, verify and euthanize such a dog.