The Nature and Transmission of Rabies

Rabies is an RNA virus that primarily spreads through bites, specifically interacting with nerve cells at the site of the bite. Once transmitted, the virus slowly travels along the peripheral nerves toward the brain, with the speed of progression influenced by the bite's location; bites closer to the brain result in faster development of symptoms. The symptoms of rabies are severe and ultimately fatal, as the virus hijacks the brain's functionality to increase aggressive behaviors, encouraging attacks on other animals for its propagation. This unique evolutionary trait showcases rabies as a virus that has adapted to manipulate host behavior to enhance its own spread among mammals.