Rabies is a
viral disease that causes acute
inflammation of the brain in humans and other
warm-blooded animals.The time period between contracting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months; however, it can vary from less than one week to more than one year.
[1] The time is dependent on the distance the virus must travel to reach the
central nervous system.Early symptoms may include fever and tingling at the site of exposure.
[1] This is then followed by either violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, and
fear of water or an inability to move parts of the body and confusion followed by
loss of consciousness.In both cases, once symptoms appear it nearly always results in death.
The disease is spread to humans from another animal, commonly by a bite or scratch.Infected saliva that comes into contact with any mucous membrane is also a risk.
Globally most cases are the result of a dog bite, with this being the cause in more than 99% of cases in countries where dogs commonly have rabies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies
