Why is rabies considered a serious illness?

Rabies is classified as a serious illness primarily because, once clinical symptoms appear, the prognosis is overwhelmingly bleak, with nearly all individuals succumbing to the disease. This is due to rabies causing severe neurological damage as it progresses, leading to a rapid decline in the patient's health. The viruses attack the central nervous system, leading to severe complications such as encephalitis.

Preventative measures, such as post-exposure prophylaxis, are highly effective if administered before the onset of symptoms. However, once an individual begins to show clinical signs of rabies, medical interventions become largely ineffective, resulting in a high mortality rate. This makes rabies particularly dangerous and underscores the importance of prompt treatment following possible exposure. Understanding this characteristic of the disease highlights why it is considered a major public health concern, especially in areas where rabies remains prevalent.