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Summary
Rabies is a deadly animal disease caused by a virus. It can happen in wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes, or in dogs, cats or farm animals. People get it from the bite of an infected animal.
In people, symptoms of rabies include fever, headache and fatigue, then confusion, hallucinations and paralysis. Once the symptoms begin, the disease is usually fatal. A series of shots can prevent rabies in people exposed to the virus. You need to get them right away. If an animal bites you, wash the wound well; then get medical care.
To help prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate your pet. Rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats and farm animals
- Don't let pets roam
- Don't approach stray animals. Animals with rabies might be aggressive and vicious, or tired and weak
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Rabies Prevention and Control (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Rabies Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
Treatments and Therapies
- Animal Bites: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Related Issues
- Preventing Rabies from Bats (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Travelers' Health: Rabies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Statistics and Research
- Rabies (World Health Organization) Also in Spanish
- Rabies in the United States: Protecting Public Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Rabies: A Forgotten Killer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Patient Handouts
- Rabies (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Rabies Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.