how fast does rabies spread in humans
1 Raccoon is bitten by a rabid animal. 2  Rabies virus enters the raccoon through infected saliva. 3  Rabies virus spreads through the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. 4  The virus incubates in raccoon's body for apporximately 3-12 weeks.5  The raccoon has no signs of illness during this time.he time between the bite and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period and it may last for weeks to months. A bite by the animal during the incubation period does not carry a risk of rabies because the virus has not yet made it to the saliva.