Hydrophobia: Rabies is a viral encephalitis transmitted by

Rabies is a viral encephalitis transmitted by the saliva of infected bats and certain other infected mammals. Symptoms include depression and fever, followed by agitation, excessive salivation, and laryngeal spasms with hydrophobia. Diagnosis is by skin biopsy with fluorescent antibody or polymerase chain reaction testing. Vaccination is indicated for people at high risk of exposure. Postexposure prophylaxis involves wound care and passive and active immunoprophylaxis and, if promptly and ... Hydrophobia is a fear of water due to a rabies infection and is different from aquaphobia, which is an irrational fear of water. Learn how to recognize the signs of hydrophobia, how to prevent rabies, and what to do if you have contact with a wild animal. Hydrophobia, or aquaphobia, is a specific type of phobia in which what causes irrational anxiety and fear is water. We explain its characteristics. Hydrophobia, or fear of water, can be a symptom of rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system. Learn about the types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hydrophobia, and how to prevent rabies exposure.