Did you know that there are more ways to get rabies than just the rabies virus? That is because rabies the virus and rabies the disease are two different things. Let’s talk about it!
What is the difference between a virus and a disease?
To understand what the difference is between the rabies virus and rabies the disease, you must first understand the difference between a virus and a disease. It is a little hard to explain what viruses are. Viruses aren’t animals and they aren’t bacteria and scientists can’t actually agree on whether or not viruses are even alive! The easiest way to put it is that viruses are little aliens that make you sick. Viruses are a cause while diseases are an effect. Sometimes, bodies can make diseases within themselves, while other times diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria. However, diseases in themselves are not any kind of organism like bacteria or weird little alien things like viruses.
What is the difference between the rabies virus and the disease rabies?
The disease rabies, historically known as hydrophobia, is the effect caused by many different species of Lyssavirus. The two main species of Lyssavirus that cause rabies are Rabies lyssavirus, which is traditionally just known as “rabies” and Australian bat lyssavirus. Both of these viruses, along with several other species of lyssavirus, cause the disease rabies in humans and animals alike.
Is there rabies in Australia?
Yes, the disease rabies is found in Australia. However, the species of virus known as Rabies lyssavirus is not found in Australia. Instead, rabid animals in Australia contracted rabies from Australian Bat Lyssavirus.
What are some other viruses that cause rabies?
Some other viruses that cause rabies besides Rabies lyssavirus and Australian bat lyssavirus include European bat lyssavirus, Lagos bat lyssavirus, and Duvenhage lyssavirus, which is found in South Africa.
