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Course Outline

Wildlife exhibit several classic symptoms when infected with rabies. People and pets should take care to avoid animals exhibiting the following signs and symptoms commonly associated with rabies:

  • Nocturnal animals active during daytime
  • Apathetic toward humans
  • Overly aggressive
  • Excessive salivation
  • Pacing, walking in circles
  • Chewing on limbs or tail

Initial symptoms in humans may include:

  • General flu-like symptoms
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Inflammation of brain

Clinical symptoms in humans include:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Delirium
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Paralysis

Once clinical symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal. To date, fewer than 20 people have survived a rabies infection. People and pets that are exposed to rabid animals should receive post-exposure vaccinations to prevent the disease.

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