What is rabies?

Rabies is a disease of the brain and spinal cord and is caused by a virus. Rabies is a fatal disease. Rabies in humans is very rare in the U.S., but rabies in certain animals - especially wildlife - is common in many parts of the country, including Massachusetts.

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1. What is rabies?
2. How is rabies spread?
3. What kinds of animals spread rabies?
4. How common is animal rabies in Massachusetts?
5. How can you tell if an animal is rabid?
6. What should you do if you think you’ve been exposed to rabies?
7. What is the treatment for people exposed to rabies?
8. How can you prevent rabies?
9. Where can you get more information?