Sunlight, drying, soap, and the other substances indicated destroy the rabies virus. Early and good wound cleansing has been proven in animal trials to prevent rabies infection. However, this intervention is not always possible for humans. Rabies is a deadly disease that can't be cured but rather needs medical attention when someone is infected with it. Symptoms include fever, headache, pain around the eyes and mouth, confusion, weakness, trouble breathing, and if not treated quickly enough, death. There is no cure for rabies; instead, doctors give their patients lots of care and try to keep them comfortable until they die. No one knows exactly how people are infected with rabies but it's thought to be through the saliva of an infected animal bite or another form of contact with mucus membranes or nervous tissue. People most likely to be bitten by rabid animals include farmers, veterinarians, hikers, campers, wildlife enthusiasts, and children who play with animals from shelters or pet stores. The best way to protect yourself against rabies is to avoid being bitten by wild animals. If you do get bitten, seek medical help immediately so the wound can be cleaned and healed before the virus has a chance to spread.