kellymae

I dont think Rabies will become a pandemic as some countries (such as my own- New Zealand) do not have the virus nor do we have the vectors that carry it (Racoons, Bats, Wolves, Foxes etc..). Its virulence means it kills the host before it can be transmitted so I dont think we have to worry about it spreading or the mortality rate increasing in Humans. What Im interested to know is how has it survived for over 5,000 years?? Perhaps it goes into a dormant state?? Its one of the oldest viruses documented so I guess its had plenty of time to evolve and adapt for survival. Can anyone shed any light on the evolution of the rabies virus?? Thanks