Infected mammals carry the rabies virus in their nervous tissue. After the virus reaches the brain, it begins to be secreted in the animal's saliva. A bite from an infected animal or person can introduce infectious saliva into the body, resulting in rabies. It is extremely rare for rabies to be transmitted from other types of exposure. It is possible for saliva or nervous tissue to enter an open wound or come into contact with a mucous membrane such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.