Animal Bites and Rabies

Symptoms of Rabies

In humans, signs and symptoms usually occur 30-90 days after the bite. Once people develop symptoms, they almost always die.  This is why it is very important to go to your doctor right away if you have been bitten by an animal that might be rabid.

Early symptoms of rabies in humans include nonspecific flu-like signs such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat and feeling tired.

These symptoms may last for days.

As the virus gets to the brain, the person may act nervous, confused, and upset.

Other symptoms of rabies in humans include:

• Pain or tingling at the site of the bite
• Hallucinations (for example, seeing things that are not really there)
• Hydrophobia ("fear of water" due to spasms in the throat)
• Paralysis (unable to move parts of the body)

The acute period of disease typically ends after 2 to 10 days

As the disease advances, the person enters into a coma and dies.