Lyssavirus

Lyssavirus is a type of virus responsible for rabies, a serious and often fatal disease that affects the nervous system. It is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear—such as confusion, agitation, or paralysis—the disease is almost always deadly. Lyssavirus lives in the nervous tissues, traveling from the site of infection to the brain. Vaccination before exposure and prompt medical care after potential contact are critical for preventing rabies. The virus highlights the importance of avoiding bites from wild or unfamiliar animals and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten.