🐾 Rabies: What You Need to Know

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is usually transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected mammal—including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and unvaccinated dogs or cats.

How People Get Infected

• Through an animal bite or scratch from an infected mammal.
• Saliva entering open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).
• In rare cases, via organ transplantation or exposure to rabies-containing aerosols (extremely uncommon).

Who Is at Risk?

• Anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal.
• People engaging in outdoor or wildlife-related activities, animal control, or veterinary work.

Symptoms

Rabies begins with nonspecific symptoms—fever, headache, or discomfort—and often includes itching or prickling at the wound site. Over days, it progresses to:

• Anxiety, confusion, and agitation
• Excessive saliva and fear of water (hydrophobia)
• Delirium, hallucinations, seizures, and insomnia

Once symptoms appear, death usually follows within weeks.

Treatment (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis - PEP)

If someone is potentially exposed to rabies, immediate medical treatment is critical:

• Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek emergency medical evaluation for possible PEP, which includes:
  • Rabies immune globulin (HRIG)
  • A series of rabies vaccinations given over several days

This treatment is nearly 100% effective at preventing rabies when administered promptly and correctly.

Prevention for Pets and People

• Vaccinate pets and domestic animals regularly.
• Avoid contact with wild animals, especially if they appear disoriented or aggressive.
• If bitten or scratched, act quickly to wash the wound and seek medical evaluation.

Need Help?

If you’ve been bitten or potentially exposed to rabies, contact a healthcare provider—or the health department—right away.

More Information

Find detailed guidance on the CDC’s Rabies – About, Prevention & Clinical Care page.