Understanding the biology clarifies why early treatment works.
How rabies spreads in the body
After exposure, rabies virus can replicate locally and then enter peripheral nerves. It travels along nerves toward the central nervous system. This “neural transport” helps explain why:
- Incubation can be highly variable (weeks to months; occasionally longer).
- Bites closer to the brain (face/neck) can carry higher risk.
- Rigorous wound cleansing and early vaccination can prevent illness.
Because symptoms often appear late, people may underestimate risk. The safe approach is to treat plausible exposures urgently.
Rabies is preventable with prompt PEP, but fatal once symptomatic.