A viral disease that is fatal in humans if not treated immediately. It typically spreads to humans from animals through a scratch or a bite and causes inflammation of the brain.

Although the vaccine first used in 1885 is widely used today, fatalities from rabies still occur. Most fatalities take place in Africa and Asia, but some also happen in the United States. Prevention of rabies in the United States can cost as high as $ 1 billion per year.

From Animal to Human

While many animal diseases cannot be passed from animal to humans, rabies can, and since ancient times it has been known as an easy traveler from one species to the next. The very name rabies, Latin for "rage" or "madness," suggests the fear early men and women must have had for the disease. For centuries no treatment existed, and the disease was left to run a rapid...