Nessie Explains

RABIES

Rabies is scary, but knowledge is power. 

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Rabies Deaths Per Year
0 +
Preventable
0 %

Domestic Dogs

Are the #1 rabies vector species worldwide

Bats

Are the #1 rabies vector species in the US

Raccoons

Are responsible for only one documented case of rabies in humans

What is Rabies?

Rabies is both a virus and a disease. The virus infects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and causes a deadly disease in humans and animals. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually from bites or scratches. Without post exposure treatment, rabies is fatal. However, the disease is 100% preventable with proper post exposure treatment.

Rabies lyssavirus

Rabies lyssavirus is one of several virus that causes rabies. It belongs to a group of viruses called lyssaviruses and attacks the nervous system of most warm-blooded animals, including humans. The virus spreads through saliva, usually from bites or scratches by infected animals.

The Disease Rabies

The disease rabies, historically known as hydrophobia, is the effect caused by many different species of Lyssavirus. The two main species of Lyssavirus that cause the disease are Rabies lyssavirus, which is traditionally just known as “rabies” and Australian bat lyssavirus. Both of these viruses, along with several other species of lyssavirus, cause the disease in humans and animals alike.
In infographic about rabies the disease vs rabies the virus. On the disease side it says "The disease rabies is a collection of symptoms caused by multiple different types of Lyssaviruses including Rabies lyssavirus and Australian bat lyssavirus." and below it is a cartoon fox biting a human hand On the virus side it says "The rabies virus, also known as Rabies lyssavirus, is one virus out of many that cause the disease rabies." Below it is an illustration of the rabies lyssavirus

How is Rabies Transmitted?

Rabies is transmitted when infected fluids enter the body of another animal or person. The most common way it is transmitted is through bites, where the saliva enters the body. In less common cases, the virus can spread if saliva or other infected fluids from an infected animal comes into contact with an open wound or touches mucous membranes, like those in the mouth or eyes. This could happen if an rabid animal licks a cut on your skin, or you rub your eyes after contact with a rabid animal.

 

While rare, there are cases of humans developing rabies after receiving organ transplants from rabid patients. 

 

You cannot get rabies from blood, urine, or feces. You also cannot get rabies if bitten by an animal that is not actively rabid. 

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