In rare cases, it can vary from 10 days to 2 years or even longer. The incubation period is shorter in children and in people exposed to a large dose of the rabies virus. The dose of virus depends on the size, severity and location of an animal bite or scratch. For the first 2-10 days the patient may have a fever, headache, not feel well, have decreased appetite and vomiting. There may also be pain, itching or numbness at the site of the wound.
Some patients become agitated and disoriented, while others become paralysed.
Patients either die during this stage of the illness or go into a coma and die from further complications. There is no known, effective treatment for rabies once the symptoms of the illness have developed and the major emphasis is on preventing it. Teaching children not to approach or play with stray animals of any kind. Even though some of them may look cute and cuddly, they can spread very serious diseases. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.