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dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Rabies_S…

It may only take a few days. There are stages to rabies:

The Prodromal Phase

During this initial phase, which lasts just a few days, the disease produces very subtle changes that may be easy to miss, including:

* Loss of appetite
* Lethargy
* Intermittent fever
* Slight changes in behavior such as irritability or the desire to be left alone

The "mad Dog" Phase

This phase, which typically lasts less than a week, is the most frightening one because it is then that the classic horrible symptoms of the disease are most likely to occur, although it should be noted that not every animal stricken with rabies appears to pass through the mad dog phase. some humans and animals skip these rabies symptoms completely and move straight to phase three, the paralytic stage.

Rabies symptoms for the mad dog phase may include:

* Lack of coordination, irregular muscle movements, and/or seizures
* Aggressive behavior toward objects and other creatures
* Restlessness and roaming aimlessly from one location to the next without a discernible purpose
* Disorientation and lack of recognition for familiar people and places
* Lack of fear toward natural predators

The Paralytic Phase

In this final and fatal stage of the disease, affected humans and animals display the following symptoms.

* Foaming at the mouth. this symptom is caused by the growing paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, which makes it very difficult to swallow saliva. consequently, most animals will also refuse food and water completely at this stage.
* Slack jawed appearance, which can also be attributed to progressing paralysis.
* full bodily paralysis that results in death.

just an IMPORTANT NOTE:!!! Rabies CAN and DOES lie dormant for possibly years, always transferable.

In a warning to residents, health officials Wednesday reported a mysterious doubling in the number of rabies-infected bats found in the county so far this year.

County Department of Public Health officials said the “unusually high number” of rabid bats could pose a threat to people and pets who come into contact with the creatures.

So far this year, 21 rabid bats have been found in the county. by comparison in an average year, about 10 rabid bats are found, officials said.

The reason for the increase was unclear, said Director of Public Health Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding.

“Regardless, it is important that all county residents understand the potential dangers posed to themselves and their pets as most of these rabid bats have been found in and around homes,” he said.

Anyone who sees a sick animals is asked to report it to a local animal control agency.

One person, who was attempting to rehabilitate a sick bat, was bitten by the animal, which then tested positive for rabies. That person was quickly treated for rabies exposure, officials said.

Rabies is a viral illness that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain disease and death, authorities said. Symptoms include fever, weakness, anxiety, confusion, partial paralysis and increased saliva.

Rabies is transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.

Pets that are bitten by a rabies-infected animal may have to be euthanized or or quarantined for six months, Fielding said.

If bitten by a wild animal, people should contact a doctor immediately.

If a bat is found in a yard or public place, put a box or container over it and call local animal control officials. if a bat is found in a home and may have had access to pets or places where people were sleeping, it should not be released outside. again, cover it with a container and call animal control officials.

If a pet is found with a bat or another wild animal other than rodents, rabbits or squirrels, call 213-989-7060.

For more information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/rabies.htm.

brian.day@sgvn.com

626-962-8811, ext. 3028