Are there any specific symptoms of rabies?

Rabies has clear and specific symptoms, mainly characterized by abnormal sensations during the prodromal phase and typical hydrophobia (fear of water), aversion to wind, and other signs during the excitation phase. The disease progresses rapidly and is highly distinctive; once clinical symptoms appear, the fatality rate is extremely high. If bitten or scratched by an animal, or exposed to a suspected infected animal, immediate medical attention should be sought regardless of whether symptoms are present.

Specific symptoms in the prodromal phase typically appear several days to dozens of days after exposure. Patients may experience crawling sensations, itching, pain, or numbness at the bite site, accompanied by low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as sound, light, and wind. Some individuals may also develop loss of appetite or nausea.

The excitation phase is the most characteristic stage of rabies. The hallmark symptom is hydrophobia—patients may suffer severe spasms of the throat muscles upon seeing water, hearing the sound of water, or even talking about water, leading to difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation. This phase is also marked by aversion to wind, light, and noise, along with extreme agitation, restlessness, delirium, and, in severe cases, seizures.

After exposure to an animal, the wound should immediately be washed alternately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. After thorough cleaning, dry the wound and keep it uncovered and dry—do not bandage it. Seek prompt vaccination according to the recommended rabies vaccine schedule, avoid contact with animal saliva and secretions, and stay away from stray animals to reduce the risk of re-exposure.