How long does it take to show signs of rabies after being exposed?
For rabies, the incubation period is more variable than with other infections. The incubation period in humans is usually several weeks to months, but ranges from days to years. What are the symptoms of rabies? The rabies virus attacks the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The first symptoms of rabies are similar to a flu-like illness–fever, headache, and general discomfort. Within days, the disease can progress to symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, delirium, and hallucinations. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. Therefore, any person who has been bitten, scratched, or somehow exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabid animal should see a physician as soon as possible for postexposure treatment. How serious is rabies? Rabies is an extremely painful and deadly disease. As mentioned above, if prompt and appropriate post-exposure treatment is not received, the disease is fatal. Each year rabies kills approximately 50,000 peop
