Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. Rabies is a rare condition among humans in the United States, with only one to three cases reported annually, but in the vast majority of cases, it proves fatal. In the United States, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals, such as skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. 

The early signs of rabies are similar to those associated with the flu, but in later stages, symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, problems swallowing, excessive salivation, insomnia, hallucinations, partial paralysis, coma, and death. 

Due to its high mortality rate, prevention is vital when dealing with rabies. Rabies vaccines are available and should be administered to pets. Humans at a high risk of rabies include people traveling to countries where rabies is more common, and those who work with infected animals (for instance in a laboratory) or who may come into contact with infected wildlife. Rabies can be treated effectively with immunizations immediately after exposure to the virus.