One of the most notorious zoonotic diseases is rabies, a virus that is almost always lethal.
"This disease infects the central nervous symptom and results in death if not medically treated with urgency. Rabies is often spread through the saliva of an infected raccoon, coyote, bat, skunk, fox, dog, or cat — in fact, any mammal can spread the disease," explained Dr. Ghildayal.
Early symptoms of rabies include headache, weakness, and a prickling or itching at the infection site, according to the WHO. As the infection progresses, fever, confusion, agitation, and seizures may develop. People with advanced rabies may also exhibit hydrophobia, or fear of water.
Unfortunately, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. The CDC reported that there have only ever been 10 documented cases of recovery from rabies, and only two of those people survived without immediate treatment.
"Travelers need to be wary in foreign countries about petting local animals, such as stray dogs. A person can get rabies without being bitten, such as when the saliva of the animal infiltrates cuts on the neck or face," warned Dr. Fiorito.
It's extremely important that anyone who may have possibly been exposed to rabies gets treated as soon as possible. Treatment usually consists of four vaccines administered over 30 days. According to the NHS, post-exposure treatment is nearly 100% effective if received immediately after exposure.