what is rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The majority of rabies cases occur in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, although any mammal can get rabies. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start