What is the incubation period of rabies?
The incubation period (time from the bite to the appearance of symptoms) of hydrophobia in humans varies from 10 days to a year, with an average of 30 to 50 days. Some strains outside of the United States may have longer incubation period but bites in the head and trunk have the shortest incubation period. What are the symptoms of rabies? The disease usually starts with depression, restlessness, fever and malaise. The restlessness grows to an uncontrollable excitement, with excessive salivation and excruciatingly painful spasms of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles when attempting to swallow. There is also a reflex irritability of the swallowing and breathing centers in the brain, when swallowing liquid. The patient is usually very thirsty but has extreme fear of water. Similar signs and symptoms can be seen in animals infected with rabies. Are pet dogs and cats immune to rabies? No, they are not immune from getting rabies infection. This is why veterinarians strongly recommend pets
