CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

Rabies is an acute encephalomyelitis that almost always progresses to coma or death within 10 days after the first symptom. Patients usually have a history of a bite by an animal (cat or dog) or contact with a bat. The incubation period is usually 3-8 weeks (as short as 9 days up to 7 years).

1. CONFIRMED
   

   NOTE: Laboratory confirmation by ALL methods is strongly recommended.

   A clinically compatible case that is laboratory confirmed by:

   • Detection by direct fluorescent antibody of viral antigens in a clinical specimen (preferably the brain or the nerves surrounding hair follicles in the nape of the neck OR

   • Isolation (in cell culture or in a laboratory animal) of rabies virus from saliva, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or central nervous system tissue, OR

   • Identification of a rabies-neutralizing antibody titer ≥ 1:5 (complete neutralization) in the serum of CSF of an unvaccinated person.

2. PROBABLE
   

• Not used
3. Possible

   • Not Used