Review of human rabies prophylaxis and treatment.

Rabies is a devastating encephalitis caused by RNA viruses that use mammals as reservoirs. In the United States, most naturally acquired human cases have come from bats. The use of appropriate preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis can be nearly 100% effective. If prophylaxis is not used, or is implemented incorrectly, the patient may develop clinical rabies, which is almost universally fatal. All health care practitioners should be familiar with the appropriate evaluation of patients presenting with a possible rabies exposure and ensure that expeditious and appropriate prophylaxis is provided to help prevent the development of this lethal disease.