Life Cycle of Rabies

Bites from infected animals is the most common avenue of rabies infection. In the last century, treatment and awareness has shifted the majority of rabies cases from domestic animals to wildlife.

Initial Infection

• Rabies enters the body through open wounds or mucous membranes. A human can be infected by a bite or lick from an infected animal.

Virus Spread

• Rabies travels from the initial entry site along the nerves of the body. The path leads to the spinal cord and travels toward the brain.

Brain Infection

• The virus invades the brain and causes significant damage, such as swelling. The virus then begins to split and replicate.

Further Infection

• Once the virus has reached the brain, rabies spreads to other internal organs. The virus is highly concentrated in saliva which results in infectious bites and virus transfer.

Environmental Lifecycle

• The rabies virus cannot survive outside of a host body. Even exposure to strong sunlight will kill the virus.

Famous Ties

• It is suspected that Edgar Allan Poe may have died as a result of rabies infection. Current research shows that his symptoms coincide with those of rabies, not alcohol abuse.