If the patient survives the agitated state, excitability ceases. Paralysis then sets in, progressing to death. In paralytic rabies, the symptoms of excitability and agitation do not occur. Definitive diagnosis requires laboratory analysis of saliva or brain tissue, to detect the rabies virus. As a result, diagnosis is not possible during the incubation period.
Definitive diagnosis is possible only late in the disease, or after death.
If infection is allowed to progress to the appearance of clinical symptoms, rabies is inevitably fatal. Treatment is strictly supportive, to make the patient as comfortable as possible. With prompt treatment following potential exposure, however, progression of the infection can be prevented. The material in this article is provided for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice or diagnosis, consult a healthcare provider.