Rabies is a typical zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus that belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, within the family Rhabdoviridae and the order Mononegavirales of -ssRNA viruses. Dogs are the major vectors. Rabies affects the central nervous system and causes fatal encephalomyelitis.
Preexposure vaccination with modern cell culture vaccine is recommended for people at high risk of exposure. Postexposure prophylaxis consists of wound cleansing and immunization with modern cell culture vaccine, together with administration of rabies immune globulin. There is no certain cure for rabies except supportive care.
