Can Boiling Milk Kill Rabies Virus? Facts and Guidelines

A recent case from a village near Greater Noida has drawn attention to a lesser-known route of rabies transmission. A woman reportedly died of rabies after consuming milk from a cow that was believed to be infected with the virus. According to residents, a rabid dog may have bitten the cow, and the woman later drank its unboiled milk. This incident has sparked concerns about whether rabies can be transmitted through milk.

Is Rabies Transmissible Through Milk?

According to a report by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the milk of animals infected with rabies may contain traces of the virus. Drinking unboiled milk from such animals may carry a risk of infection. The heat from boiling is effective in destroying the rabies virus. Therefore, milk should always be properly boiled before consumption to reduce the risk of any contamination.

Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease that primarily affects the nervous system. Once the virus reaches the brain, treatment becomes extremely difficult. Thus, preventive measures are crucial.

Prevention Through Vaccination

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that once symptoms of rabies appear, the condition is almost always fatal. In 99% of human rabies cases, the infection is transmitted by dogs. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches. Timely vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease.

Recognizing Rabies Symptoms

As noted by the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms of rabies often resemble those of the flu. These include:

Fever

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Anxiety and confusion

Difficulty swallowing

Excessive salivation

Facial muscle spasms

Insomnia

These symptoms worsen quickly as the virus affects the central nervous system.

What To Do If Bitten

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help immediately. A healthcare professional will assess the risk and may administer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent the virus from spreading in the body.

Animals That Can Transmit Rabies

Rabies is not limited to dogs. It can also be transmitted by:

Cats

Cows

Goats

Horses

Bats

Foxes

Monkeys

Domestic pets can also be carriers if they are not vaccinated. Keeping animals up-to-date with rabies vaccinations is an important public health measure.

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