Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can affect the nervous
system (brain and spinal cord) of any kind of mammal, including humans.
Rabies-infected animals can spread the disease through their saliva or brain
matter.
Signs of rabies in animals may include excessive saliva or
sometimes foaming at the mouth, paralysis, or behavioral changes in a pet
(shyness when the pet used to be friendly) or no fear of humans in a wild
animal.
After rabies symptoms appear, the disease progresses quickly, and
there is no cure. Getting postexposure prophylaxis shots (PEP) before symptoms occur usually gets rid of the
virus before it can cause serious damage. Rabies is
nearly always fatal if not treated before symptoms appear.
People who believe they may have been exposed to the rabies virus
should seek medical attention immediately.
