rabies
n. an infectious viral disease of the central nervous system that can be transmitted to humans, usually through the bite of an infected animal (e.g., raccoon). It causes pain, fever, excessive salivation, agitation, and paralysis or contractions of muscles, particularly those of the respiratory tract. Aversion to water is a major symptom, especially in later stages of the disease, due to painful spasms associated with swallowing. Unless vaccine is administered before symptoms appear, death occurs within 2 to 10 days. Rabies was previously called hydrophobia.