However, medical experts have clarified that such behaviour is not a symptom of rabies, urging the public to avoid misinformation.

Dr Rahul Chawla, a neurologist trained at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, addressed the viral clip on social media, stating that rabies does not cause humans to bark like animals.

According to him, while rabies does affect the brain, particularly the brainstem, it leads to very specific neurological symptoms rather than animal-like behaviour. 'Even if a person contracts rabies after a dog bite, they do not start barking like a dog,' he explained.Understanding rabies symptoms

Rabies is a serious viral infection that affects the central nervous system. One of its most recognised symptoms is Rabies-induced hydrophobia, or fear of water.Dr Chawla explained that the disease causes severe spasms in the throat and laryngeal muscles, making it extremely painful for patients to swallow even water. These spasms may sometimes produce unusual sounds, but they are distinctly different from barking.

He added that the behaviour seen in the viral video is 'very unlikely' to be caused by rabies.

The neurologist suggested that the teenager's symptoms could be linked to a functional neurological disorder or a dissociative reaction triggered by extreme fear, such as the trauma of a dog bite.

Such conditions can manifest in unusual physical or behavioural responses without an underlying neurological disease like rabies. Experts stress that these cases require proper medical and psychological evaluation rather than assumptions based on viral content.

The video reportedly shows a 17-year-old boy who developed unusual behaviour four months after being bitten by a dog. According to reports, the family initially believed the condition was due to 'black magic' and sought help from a priest.

However, local residents advised them to seek medical attention. A doctor later suspected rabies and referred the boy to Varanasi for further treatment.

It was also reported that the teenager had received only two doses of the anti-rabies vaccine but did not complete the full course, which is critical to prevent infection after exposure.

Health experts have emphasised the need to verify medical information before sharing it on social media. Misinformation about serious diseases like rabies can create unnecessary panic and delay proper treatment.

Rabies remains a preventable disease if timely vaccination is administered after exposure. Completing the full course of anti-rabies injections is essential for effective protection.

Mirzapur: The viral video has highlighted the dangers of misinformation in health-related matters. While rabies is a life-threatening condition, experts confirm that it does not cause humans to mimic animal behaviour like barking. Prompt medical care, accurate diagnosis, and public awareness remain key to addressing such cases responsibly.