What are the symptoms of human rabies?
Early symptoms of rabies include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, headache and fatigue. Pain that develops at the site of the wound or bite can be a sign of rabies. Later symptoms can include hyperactivity, confusion, delirium, gagging or choking when trying to drink liquids, hyperventilation, paralysis and death. How is rabies transmitted? Rabies viruses are present in the saliva of an infected animal. They can be transmitted when saliva gets into a bite or scratch, by licking an open wound, or by mucus membrane (such as the pink tissue around the eye ball or the tissue lining the nose or mouth) exposure. In the United States skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes are the most common carriers of rabies. In Idaho, rabies has been found most often in bats. Unvaccinated pets like dogs, cats and ferrets can also transmit the virus. How long before symptoms appear? Usually 1 to 3 months, but may be as few as days to years or more. How can the risk of exposure to rabies be reduced? • Vaccinate do
