Quick Answer
The first symptoms of rabies in humans may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue, often accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness at the site of the animal bite. In some cases, symptoms may also include agitation, aggression, and confusion. These symptoms can progress rapidly.
Early Symptoms
The early symptoms of rabies in humans are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue may develop 2-14 days after exposure to a rabid animal. This incubation period can vary depending on several factors, including the location and severity of the bite wound.
Progression of Symptoms
As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and include a range of neurological and behavioral problems. Patients may experience agitation, aggression, and confusion, as well as difficulty swallowing and speaking. In some cases, patients may experience seizures, paralysis, and coma.
Identifying Rabies
The diagnosis of rabies is typically made by sending tissue samples from the brain or other affected areas to a laboratory for testing. The presence of the rabies virus can be confirmed by detecting the viral antigen using techniques such as direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). If left untreated, rabies is almost invariably fatal, with a mortality rate of around 99.9%.
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