Rabies is a rare but deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is found only in mammals, including humans, and is most commonly spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. In the United States, human cases of rabies are extremely rare, but if left untreated, the disease is almost always fatal.
The rabies virus is the primary cause of the rabies infection. In the U.S., rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Pets and livestock can also contract rabies if they are not vaccinated against the virus. The virus is spread through direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal, often through a bite or scratch.
Rabies symptoms typically do not appear immediately after exposure to the virus. The incubation period can last from 1 to 3 months, during which time the virus travels through the central nervous system to the brain. Once symptoms appear, they may include:
Fever
Headache
Weakness or fatigue
Anxiety
Confusion
Hyperactivity
Hallucinations
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive salivation
Paralysis
There are two forms of rabies: furious rabies and paralytic rabies. Furious rabies is characterized by hyperactivity, hallucinations, and hydrophobia (fear of water), while paralytic rabies causes muscle paralysis and coma.
Rabies is 100% preventable if you receive proper treatment after exposure to the virus. If you suspect that you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider will administer a series of rabies vaccine shots, known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), to prevent the virus from infecting your brain.
To protect yourself and your pets from rabies, follow these guidelines:
Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep their vaccinations up to date
Avoid contact with wild animals, especially those acting strangely or aggressively
Report any stray animals in your neighborhood to animal control
Wash animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water
If traveling to areas with high rabies risk, consider getting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) vaccines
There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear. However, if you receive PEP treatment promptly after exposure, you can survive the virus. Treatment involves a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and a series of four rabies vaccine shots over a 14-day period. It is crucial to begin treatment as soon as possible after exposure, as the virus becomes fatal once it reaches the brain.
If you suspect that you or someone else has been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately. With prompt treatment, rabies is 100% preventable. To learn more about rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the World Health Organization (WHO) rabies page, or consult your local health department.
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