Treatment rarely helps after symptoms develop. First, a rabies vaccine is given. Second, a special protein solution, known as rabies-specific immunoglobulin, is given to attack the rabies virus. People should also vaccinate their cats and dogs to prevent indirect infection with the rabies virus. In order to know if a suspected animal has the virus, the animal is captured and destroyed if possible.
Doctors can then examine brain tissue from the animal.
To diagnose rabies in a person, a series of special tests are done. These may include tests of the skin, saliva, blood, or spinal fluid. The infection almost always causes death if not treated. Even with treatment, death may occur. There is generally no risk to others.