Rabies is a disease that is caused by the rabies virus. This disease usually affects animals both wild and domestic. In some cases rabies also affects humans. Rabies is usually associated with dogs. However, cats are as likely to get this disease as are dogs. Wild animals like skunks and raccoons are also often affected by this disease.
The rabies virus is present in the saliva of the animals. This virus spreads to other animals and even humans through any scratch or wound on the skin. The rabies virus first enters the nerve cells present in the wound through which it enters the body. From the nerve cells the rabies virus travels to the brain of the creature. From here it follows others nerves and goes on to the muscles and organs. These are the parts of the body that are affected by rabies. Although rabies is passed on to humans through bites, in some very rare cases people have contracted the disease by breathing the air in caves where bats affected by rabies lived.
Once the virus has entered the body, it concentrates on the salivary glands. The muscles that are involved in the tasks of drinking and swallowing are affected and damaged. People and animals affected by the rabies virus, go through terrible pains when they swallow liquids. Although animals and human affected by rabies do feel terribly thirsty, they are terrified by the mere sight of water.
It is important to note that once symptoms develop, there is usually nothing that can be done to stop the disease, and it is almost always fatal. If you think you might be infected, get yourself vaccinated immediately.
answered by G M