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Rabies is a viral disease that causes encephalitis in humans and other mammals. [1] It was historically referred to as hydrophobia ("fear of water") due to the symptom of panic when presented with liquids to drink. Early symptoms can include fever and abnormal sensations at the site of exposure. [1]
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May 13, 2024 · Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be spread to humans and pets by infected animals. Learn how to prevent and treat rabies, what animals are most likely to carry it, and who is at risk of exposure.
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The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu and may last for days.
Later signs and symptoms may include:
•Fever
•Headache
•Nausea
•Vomiting
Seek immediate medical care if you're bitten by any animal, or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies. Based on your injuries and the situation in which the exposure happened, you and your doctor can decide whether you should receive treatment to prevent rabies.
Even if you aren't sure whether you've been bitten, seek medical attention. For instance, a bat that flies into your room while you're sleeping may bite you without waking you. If you awake to find a bat in your room, assume you've been bitten. Also, if you find a bat near a person who can't report a bite, such as a small child or a person with a disability, assume that person has been bitten.
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The rabies virus causes a rabies infection. The virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals. Infected animals can spread the virus by biting another animal or a person.
In rare cases, rabies can be spread when infected saliva gets into an open wound or the mucous membranes, such as the mouth or eyes. This could happen if an infected animal licked an open cut on your skin.
Factors that can increase your risk of rabies include:
•Traveling or living in developing countries where rabies is more common
•Activities that are likely to put you in contact with wild animals that may have rabies, such as exploring caves where bats live or camping without taking precautions to keep wild animals away from your campsite
•Working as a veterinarian
•Working in a laboratory with the rabies virus
•Wounds to the head or neck, which may help the rabies virus travel to your brain more quickly
To reduce your risk of coming in contact with rabid animals:
•Vaccinate your pets. Cats, dogs and ferrets can be vaccinated against rabies. Ask your veterinarian how often your pets should be vaccinated.
•Keep your pets confined. Keep your pets inside and supervise them when outside. This will help keep your pets from coming in contact with wild animals.
•Protect small pets from predators. Keep rabbits and other small pets, such as guinea pigs, inside or in protected cages so that they are safe from wild animals. These small pets can't be vaccinated against rabies.
•Report stray animals to local authorities. Call your local animal control officials or other local law enforcement to report stray dogs and cats.
•Don't approach wild animals. Wild animals with rabies may seem unafraid of people. It's not normal for a wild animal to be friendly with people, so stay away from any animal that seems unafraid.
•Mayo Clinic Minute: What you should know about bats and rabies
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
Rabies is a deadly virus spread by the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites. Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of rabies, when to seek medical care, and how to protect yourself and your pets from this disease.
Aug 27, 2022 · Learn about rabies, a fatal illness caused by a virus that infects the nervous system. Find out how to prevent rabies with vaccination and what to do if you’re bitten by a potentially infected animal.
Jun 5, 2024 · Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and is mainly transmitted by dog bites. Learn how to prevent rabies through vaccination, wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of rabies.
6 days ago · Rabies is a rare but serious public health concern in the United States. Before 1960, several hundred people died of rabies each year. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of human and animal health experts, fewer than 10 human deaths are reported each year in the U.S. While rabies is uncommon in humans, three out of four Americans live in a ...
Feb 5, 2024 · Learn about rabies, a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system and can spread through saliva. Find out how to recognize the signs of rabies, what to do if you are bitten by a rabid animal, and how to prevent exposure.
