Signs and symptoms
... Signs and symptoms of rabies usually appear within one to three months after exposure. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Death from breathing failure often happens within a week afte...

Causes
... Most often rabies transmission occurs through the bite of a rabid animal. Rarely, people contract rabies when saliva from an infected animal comes in contact with their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound. T...

Risk factors
... You''re at greatest risk of contracting rabies if your activities bring you into contact with the rabies virus or a potentially rabid mammal. People at risk can include veterinarians, animal caretaker...

When to seek medical advice
... If you think you may have been exposed to an animal with rabies, call your doctor immediately. Thoroughly wash the wound or area of exposure with soap and water. Quick action is important. Once the ea...

Screening and diagnosis
... If you''ve been bitten or have had contact with an animal that may have rabies, certain information may help your doctor determine your risk of contracting rabies and how to treat you. Take note of th...