The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death.
Early symptoms of the disease in humans are nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid.
Rabies Prevention
Prevention is the best way to keep you and your pets safe from rabies:
Keep pet shots up-to-date and observe leash laws.
Don't leave your dog chained alone in the yard: If attacked by a rabid animal, it can't escape.
Don't make your house or yard attractive to wildlife; feed your pet indoors, and keep garbage cans closed tightly.
Seal basement, porch, and attic openings, and cap chimneys with screens.
No matter how cute, avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals. Don't touch a wild
animal even if it's dead.
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