In most cases of rabies, symptoms first appear one to three months after infection with the virus. Early symptoms of rabies are often similar to those seen with the flu and may include fever, headache, and general tiredness. In addition, the infected person may experience discomfort, numbness, or pain at the site of the bite. Progressive rabies symptoms can include such things as insomnia, slight or partial paralysis, hallucinations, and hydrophobia (fear of water).
Rabies Symptoms: An Introduction
When a person is infected with the
rabies virus, the virus multiplies within the body until symptoms develop. This time period between infection and the onset of
rabies symptoms is called the incubation period. The
rabies incubation period may vary from a few days to several years, but is typically one to three months.
When the rabies virus reaches the brain, it multiplies quickly and rabies symptoms begin. Over the next week, the rabies virus causes
encephalitis and ultimately death.
Early rabies symptoms in humans are similar to
flu symptoms.
These early rabies symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- General tiredness
- Discomfort, numbness, or pain at the site of the bite.
Progressive Rabies Symptoms
As the disease progresses, neurological rabies symptoms appear and may include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Slight or partial paralysis
- Excitation
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Hypersalivation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hydrophobia (fear of water).
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