Structural model of a rhabdovirus particle, the virus causing rabies. The rabies virus is bullet- shaped, 75-80 nanometres in diameter & around 200 nanometres in length. The helical nucleocapsid contains single-stranded RNA. Surrounding the nucleocapsid is a lipoprotein envelope that is studded with short projections. Rabies (hydrophobia) is usually transmitted to humans through dog bites. Symptoms of fever, malaise, salivation, and throat spasms, appear after an incubation period ranging from 10 days to one year. In the late stages, even the sight of water may induce convulsions & paralysis. Death occurs within a few days.