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Rabies
A fatal viral infection of the central nervous system transmitted through bite wounds (saliva). Nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear — no effective treatment exists after symptom onset. Prevention through vaccination is the only protection.
Key Facts
- Transmitted via saliva through bite wounds — primarily from wildlife (bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes)
- Incubation: 3-8 weeks average (up to 1 year); dogs 21-80 days, cats 28-42 days
- Once symptoms begin, death occurs within ~10 days — no treatment possible
- Three stages: prodromal (personality change), excitative ("mad dog"), paralytic (drooling, paralysis)
- No test exists for rabies in a living animal
- 10-day quarantine: if animal alive after 10 days, bite could not have transmitted rabies
- ~250 feline deaths and ~50 canine deaths annually in the US
- ~55,000 human deaths worldwide annually
- Vaccination is core for all dogs (legally required) and all cats (recommended)
- Indoor pets not without risk — bats can gain access indoors
- Post-exposure: wash wound immediately with water; seek medical attention
- Veterinarians have 300x rabies exposure risk vs. general population