Question 1

what are the symptoms of rabies in humans and how soon do they appear?

Accepted Answer

See below: The incubation period for rabies is less than 30 days in 25% of cases, less than 90 days in 75% of cases and more than 1 year in 5%.  The furious form presents with hydrophobia, delirium, agitation and seizures.  The paralytic form presents with ascending paralysis.  Both types eventually lead to coma and death.

Question 2

how long does it take for rabies symptoms to show up in humans?

Accepted Answer

Rabies: Highly variable.  It can take weeks, months, or even years for rabies symptoms to show in a human after a bite from a rabid animal. If you may have had contact with a rabid animal, please contact your local health department right away.

Question 3

why do they say rabies takes 1-2 weeks to kill a human once symptoms manifest, however in all case reports i read they had symptoms earlier then that?

Accepted Answer

Rabies: It depends on when you define symptomatic. It is usually months from time of bite before  symptoms. However, once overt symptoms of encephalitis develop then it can be only weeks.

Question 4

typical incubation period for rabies symptoms in humans?

Accepted Answer

: It depends on location of the bite or other exposure, becauset it takes time for the rabies virus to ascend through the nerves to the brain. Exposure on the hand or foot can take a couple of weeks; on the face it can be only a few days. If you've had a known or suspected exposure, don't take chances:  contact your doctor or the local or state health department ASAP.

Question 5

is it possible for someone to get rabies from spit from another human showing no symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Rabies transmission: Per the Centers for Disease Control:  The most common mode of rabies virus transmission is through the bite and virus-containing saliva of an infected host. Though transmission has been rarely documented via other routes such as contamination of mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, nose, mouth), aerosol transmission, and corneal transplants.

Question 6

could i have possibly contracted rabies? what are the early symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes if Bitten: Rabies is contracted by contact with saliva of infected animals- through bites or licking of cuts. The first symptoms are flu-like illness: fatigue, fever, aches & pains. This can progress onto a tingling or pin prick sensation. Finally brain symptoms develop (confusion, anxiety, abnormal behavior) once symptoms develop the disease is fatal. If bitten, wash wound well & go to doctor for treatment.

Question 7

if someone started getting early rabies symptoms, could it be easily diagnosed through testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes: When Rabies is suspected diagnosis can be quickly made by direct fluorescence antibody testing of a biopsy specimen of skin from the nape of the neck is the diagnostic test of choice. Diagnosis can also be made by PCR of CSF, saliva, or tissue. Specimens tested for rabies antibodies include serum and CSF. CT, MRI, and EEG are normal or show nonspecific changes.

Question 8

if a person develops early stages of rabies, how long does the bite hurt / itch before other symptoms appear?

Accepted Answer

The period between: the bite and the onset of symptoms is called the incubation period. It usually takes 4 to 12 weeks for a person to develop rabies symptoms once they are bitten and infected. However, incubation periods have ranged from a few days to six years! The initial symptoms are flu-like: fever, muscle weakness, tingling. See your Public Health Dept or doctor with further questions. Stay well:)

Question 9

last rabies question... once early symptoms begin, can someone get better before it gets worse, or does it usually just go downhill from there?

Accepted Answer

Rabies: Usually a continuum of symptoms. No honeymoon phase. All the best.

Question 10

i have a scratch on my leg, i don't know but it was probably done by a dog a week ago which may not be vaccinated against rabies. how do i know if i have rabies and what are its early symptoms. also how they differ from normal fever ?

Accepted Answer

: You need to have dog observed and tested or depending on where you are start treatments now.  Very few survive rabies so check it out now.  NOW.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Early symptoms of rabies in humans

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of rabies in humans and how soon do they appear?

A member asked:

How long does it take for rabies symptoms to show up in humans?

A member asked:

Why do they say rabies takes 1-2 weeks to kill a human once symptoms manifest, however in all case reports i read they had symptoms earlier then that?

A member asked:

Typical incubation period for rabies symptoms in humans?

A member asked:

Is it possible for someone to get rabies from spit from another human showing no symptoms?

A member asked:

Could i have possibly contracted rabies? what are the early symptoms?

A member asked:

If someone started getting early rabies symptoms, could it be easily diagnosed through testing?

A member asked:

If a person develops early stages of rabies, how long does the bite hurt / itch before other symptoms appear?

A member asked:

Last rabies question... once early symptoms begin, can someone get better before it gets worse, or does it usually just go downhill from there?

A member asked:

I have a scratch on my leg, i don't know but it was probably done by a dog a week ago which may not be vaccinated against rabies. how do i know if i have rabies and what are its early symptoms. also how they differ from normal fever ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?