روز چهارم

THE PERTINENT FACTS ABOUT RABIES

“Give me some of the rudimentary information about the disease, Doc,” said Jerry, glancing toward the inertfigure of his son.

“Well, as you know, the malady used to be called ‘hydrophobia’ (fear of water) because one of the symptoms is an inability to swallow liquids. Actually, it is caused by a live virus from the saliva of an infected animal. If saliva gets into a bite wound, the victim may get rabies. The virus travels along the nerves to the spine and brain. Once the salient characteristics appear (ten days to six months) then death is imminent”

“What are the symptoms?” asked Mrs. Hart.

“Pain and numbness, difficulty in swallowing, headaches and nervousness. Also, muscle spasms and convulsions.”

The squeamish neighbors who were engrossed in the doctor’s remarks gasped. “I think we should go ahead with the injections,” the distraught Mrs. Hart said. “I’ve heard enough.”