Rabies Guide: Prevention, Symptoms, and What To Do After a Bite
Rabies is preventable with prompt care—but almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
Key facts about rabies
- Rabies is vaccine-preventable but almost always fatal after symptoms start.
- Transmission is typically via saliva from bites or scratches of infected animals.
- Wash wounds for 15 minutes and seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately.
- Globally ~59,000 deaths/year; children are disproportionately affected.
Bitten or scratched? Do this now
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes.
- Seek medical care immediately to begin post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- Do not wait for symptoms—PEP is most effective when started promptly.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is preventable with prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.
How rabies spreads
- Spread occurs via saliva of an infected animal, typically through a bite or scratch.
- Globally, dogs cause most human rabies deaths.
- In North America, wildlife like bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are key reservoirs.
Symptoms and progression
Early (days)
Fever, headache, weakness, discomfort at bite site.
Neurologic (days to weeks)
Anxiety, confusion, agitation, hydrophobia, excessive salivation, paralysis.
Incubation period
Usually 1–3 months but can range from under a week to over a year, depending on bite location and viral dose.
Global impact
Rabies causes an estimated 59,000 deaths each year worldwide, with roughly 40% of victims being children.
Prevention
- Vaccinate pets and keep vaccines up to date.
- Avoid contact with stray or wild animals; supervise children outdoors.
- Support stray dog vaccination and control programs in your community.
- For travelers to high-risk areas, discuss pre-exposure vaccination with a clinician.
Rabies in animals
Possible signs include unusual aggression, daytime activity in nocturnal species, excessive drooling, or paralysis. Avoid handling suspected animals and contact local authorities for guidance.
Outcome if untreated
Without PEP before symptom onset, rabies is almost always fatal. Seek care immediately after any suspect exposure.
Frequently asked questions
References
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Rabies Fact Sheet: who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Rabies: cdc.gov/rabies
- World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) — Rabies: woah.org/en/disease/rabies/