Rabies (Deadly Diseases & Epidemics)

Rabies is caused by a remarkable virus that has a long history. After a human is bitten by a rabid animal, the rabies virus travels via the nerves to the brain, where it replicates. If left untreated, the virus produces profound changes in behavior and ultimately, fatal encephalitis. Despite availability of effective treatments and vaccines, rabies is responsible for thousands of human deaths each year in developing countries. In the U.S., there has been a shift from dogs as the major reservoir of rabies to wild animals, while this same shift has not occurred in other parts of the world. Useful for reports as well as general interest, "Rabies" dispels myths and presents the latest facts about this infectious disease.