Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in mammals. It is mainly spread through bites and scratches from infected animals such as dogs, cats, bats, foxes, jackals, mongoose, raccoons, and skunks.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you think you were exposed to rabies. Rabies in humans is preventable, but you must get care right away. Once symptoms of rabies develop, it is nearly always fatal.
The first symptoms of rabies may start weeks or months after exposure and include weakness or discomfort, fever, headache and, if bitten, itching/prickling sensation at the site of the bite. Symptoms of severe disease follow the first symptoms and include anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.