What Are the Stages of Rabies?

Rabies is viral in nature and always fatal once the clinical signs associated with the disease finally appear. Rabies typically manifests itself in carnivorous animals and bats, but any mammal is at risk of contracting it under the right circumstances, including humans.

Transmission

• The initial stage of the disease involves its transmission from a host animal to another, which usually happens through a bite from a rabid creature. The virus present in the saliva gains access through the bite and the incubation period of the disease is highly variable.

Prodomal Stage

• The prodomal stage of rabies features such symptoms as a gentle animal turning very aggressive or nervous. In some animals, this stage can last as long as three days.

Furious Stage

• The furious phase of rabies, also known as the "mad dog phase," can see an animal attack without any reason, with noises a special source of irritation. Some creatures will lose all fear of other animals and human beings, boldly walking around and attacking anything they see.

Paralytic Stage

• During the paralytic phase of rabies, the throat and chewing muscles begin to experience paralysis, precipitating drooling and extra saliva. The animal at this point has extreme difficulty swallowing.

Death

• Death from rabies normally occurs when the muscles that control breathing suffer paralysis, causing the animal to suffocate.