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How is rabies diagnosed?

Your doctor or other health professional will diagnose rabies by observing the clinical signs and by performing specific tests on samples of your blood, skin, saliva or spinal fluid. Tests on the biting animal's brain tissue if it has been euthanized can also help confirm or rule out rabies.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is rabies?

Rabies is a dangerous infectious disease caused by the rabies virus.

How does a rabies infection occur?

The rabies virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of animals, especially dogs.

How common is rabies?

Rabies is no longer common in most countries. However, it is still a significant issue in some regions of the world, including India, Africa and South-East Asia. An estimated 55,000 people die of rabies every year, including a few cases a year in almost every country.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Initial symptoms of rabies can include fever; chills; headache; sore throat; loss of appetite; vomiting; discomfort; irritability; and pain, tingling and itching at the site of the bite. A few days after these symptoms, symptoms of the nervous system can …

Who gets rabies?

Anyone not vaccinated against rabies can be infected if bitten by an infected animal.

Is rabies serious?

Rabies is fatal if it is not caught and treated quickly and effectively.

How is rabies treated?

Treatment after infection can include cleaning the bite site, vaccination and special immunoglobulin treatment.

How can I prevent being infected?

The best ways of avoiding rabies are getting vaccinated beforehand and avoiding contact with wildlife and stray dogs.

What is the 'Milwaukee protocol'?

The Milwaukee protocol is an experimental treatment that was developed in 2004 and saved the life of an unvaccinated teenager infected with rabies. The treatment involves placing the infected person under an artificially-induced coma to delay the virus's …

Related topics

Mosquito-borne illnesses

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 705 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Dengue fever