Do you know rabies is caused by a virus? Rhabdo virus causes rabies. This deadly virus has its presence in the saliva and the blood of the infected animal or person. The infected person will be very aggressive. He/she will try to attack other even without any provocation. There will be absolute change in the behavior. The person will behave totally different from his/her usual character.

The virus entered the body and travels through the nervous system to the brain. When the virus reaches the brain, the symptoms start appearing. There can be encephalitis (Inflammation of membranes in the brain). The spinal cord of the person may get damaged thus resulting in myelitis.

The incubation period in general is 3-12 weeks. But some cases the incubation period can be few years too. When the brain is infected, the following symptoms like insomnia (sleeplessness), confusion, agitation, paranoia (an excessive anxiety or fear), hallucinations, behavioral abnormality, confusion, delirium etc can be observed.

There will be excess production of saliva and tears. The affected person will find it difficult to speak or swallow. This will result is hydrophobia (fear for water). The affected person will die within ten to twelve days.