Frequently Asked Questions

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. It can also be transmitted when infected saliva comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Dogs are responsible for the majority of human rabies deaths worldwide, although many other mammals can carry and transmit the virus.

Rabies can infect virtually any mammal. Dogs are the most important source of human rabies deaths globally, but cats, bats, foxes, raccoons, mongooses, and other mammals can also transmit rabies.

The animals that pose the greatest risk vary by region, so local public-health and veterinary guidance is important when assessing an exposure.

Treat any potentially rabies-exposing bite or scratch seriously.

Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of running water. If available, an appropriate antiseptic can also be used. Then seek medical attention as soon as possible for a professional assessment of the exposure and to determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is required.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Yes. Rabies can usually be prevented after an exposure when appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is given promptly and correctly.

Depending on the type of exposure and the person’s previous vaccination status, PEP may include wound care, rabies vaccine, and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulin.

A healthcare professional should assess every suspected exposure and determine the appropriate treatment.

Early symptoms can be nonspecific and may include fever, weakness, headache, and discomfort or unusual sensations around the site of exposure.

As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms can develop, including agitation, confusion, difficulty swallowing, hallucinations, paralysis, and other severe neurological changes.

Once clinical rabies develops, the disease is almost invariably fatal. This is why prevention after a possible exposure is so important.

Yes. Rabies has an incubation period between exposure and the development of symptoms, and this period can vary considerably.

A person may therefore appear completely healthy after an exposure while the virus is incubating. The absence of symptoms does not mean that a potentially exposed person should wait before seeking medical advice.

Yes. Vaccines are available for both humans and animals.

Dogs and other animals can be vaccinated to help prevent them from becoming infected and transmitting rabies. People may receive rabies vaccination before an exposure in certain circumstances, or as part of post-exposure treatment after a potential exposure.

Animal vaccination is one of the most important tools for preventing human rabies.

Yes. Human rabies deaths caused by dog-mediated transmission are preventable, and global elimination is achievable through coordinated action.

Effective strategies include mass dog vaccination, accessible post-exposure care, surveillance, responsible animal-health practices, public education, and cooperation between human-health, animal-health, environmental, and community sectors.

Rabies elimination is therefore a One Health challenge requiring collaboration across communities, professions, and countries.

A possible rabies exposure should be treated as a medical urgency. Contact a qualified healthcare professional, public-health authority, or veterinary professional as appropriate for your situation and location.

Our foundation provides rabies education and knowledge resources to help people better understand rabies, prevention, and responsible action. However, educational information should not replace an individual medical or veterinary assessment.

When rabies is a possibility, do not wait for symptoms. Seek professional advice promptly.