What is Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.Rabies is one of the oldest recognized diseases affecting humans . It has been recognized in India since the Vedic period (1500–500 BC) and is described in the ancient Indian scripture Atharvaveda, wherein Yama, the mythical God of Death, has been depicted as attended by 2 dogs as his constant companions, the emissaries of death.
Wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes acts as carrier of Rabies virus. Wihle domestic animals like dog has been, and still is, the main reservoir of rabies in India besides others like cats, cattle,rodents etc.
Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. Early symptoms of rabies in humans are nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Source: Wiki,WHO Website