What is Rabies?
A. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals including people (although rare). Symptoms vary depending upon the stage of the disease. Symptoms may include altered disposition, loss of appetite, fever, restlessness, outbursts of aggression, convulsions and paralyses. Once the symptoms appear the disease is not treatable and always fatal.
Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system in mammals. The disease is invariably fatal if left untreated; however, effective vaccines are available to protect people and pets. Q: How do you contract rabies? A: Rabies is passed along through contact with an infected animal’s saliva and is almost always transmitted when an infected animal bites an uninfected animal or person. People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound. Q: Why should I be worried about rabies in wildlife? A: Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is always fatal. Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies exceeds $300 million annually.
