Due to the devastating nature of a rabies infection, treatment should always start whenever there is a risk that a person has contracted the disease. It is dangerous to delay treatment until a diagnosis has been confirmed.
If possible, the animal that is suspected of having rabies should be captured and watched for five to 10 days. After this time, if no rabies symptoms are observed, it can be assumed that the animal does not have rabies and treatment can be stopped. If the animal is killed or dies, its brain can be examined for the presence of the rabies virus.
Tests
Tests that can be used to confirm a diagnosis of rabies in people who are experiencing symptoms associated with rabies include:
- skin biopsy – a small sample of skin is removed and checked for the presence of the rabies virus
- saliva test – a sample of saliva is tested for the presence of the rabies virus
- lumbar puncture – a needle is used to remove a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can be checked for the rabies antibodies (CSF is the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord)
- blood tests – your blood is checked for the rabies antibodies
