What is rabies?

Rabies is a deadly virus that infects the central nervous system (CNS) and causes acute encephalitis. Rabies can affect all types of warm-blooded animals, including humans. From animals to humans, rabies virus is most often transmitted through animal bites – although there have been cases of infection of people in caves and attics from bats after inhalation of air (inhalation of infection). Infection with rabies is almost always fatal unless treatment is started before symptoms of rabies appear.

Infected people who do not receive prophylactic treatment after exposure to the virus will experience fever, muscle aches, and a headache that eventually leads to inflammation of the brain, cramps, confusion, paralysis, coma, and death. Continue reading →