Rabies is a viral illness that is nearly always fatal.
Symptoms begin with apprehension and convulsions.
Death due to paralysis of the muscles that control breathing occurs in two to six days. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal or by contact with saliva or when the virus gets into the air. Pre-exposure vaccination doses may be given by either intradermal or intramuscular route in the upper arm. Post-exposure doses are given by intramuscular route in the upper arm. Booster doses are indicated when there is frequent or continuous risk of exposure to rabies virus and blood testing indicates no or low levels of immunity against rabies.