Definition and Causes

• Rabies is defined as a viral infection that is spread by animals. The virus is often deadly and is spread by animal saliva that enters through broken skin or a bite from the animal. Once the virus is in the blood stream, it travels from the bite or wound to the brain and causes inflammation and other diseases. Bites from dogs and wild animals like bats, skunks and foxes may cause rabies.
  
  

Symptoms and Signs

• The incubation time for rabies is three to seven weeks. If you have been bitten by an animal, contact your heath care provider and animal control so that the animal can be captured and you can be treated. Some symptoms of rabies include loss of muscle function, stress and anxiety, drooling, pain at the site of the wound or bite, difficulty swallowing, convulsions and muscle spasms.
  
  

The Test

• If rabies is suspected, the animal that you were wounded by will be carefully evaluated and watched for any signs of rabies. An immunofluorescence test is performed on the animal's brain tissue after the animal has died. The test will conclude whether the animal had rabies. Then, the same test will be used to test for rabies in the human. A piece of skin from the neck is required for the test. Also, saliva may be used to perform the test.