Infection of humans is most common in Africa, Asia, Russia and the other former Soviet republics.
The symptoms normally begin after three to eight weeks with headache, fever and indisposition. If virus spreads to the brain the mortality is 100%.
The disease can be prevented with vaccination which should be considered by people who are staying or travelling for long periods of time in the affected countries.
After an animal bite the sore must be cleansed thoroughly and both vaccinated and unvaccinated people should seek medical assistance for sore treatment and to find out if vaccination and specific immunoglobulin are needed.
Furthermore, rabies can be prevented by vaccinating domestic animals.