Why rabies causes hypersalivation in humans?

Question

The excess saliva that occurs is probably due to the impact of the virus on the nervous system. Saliva production is greatly increased and attempts to drink, or even the intention or suggestion of drinking may cause excruciatingly painful spasms of the muscles in the throat and larynx. This can be attributed to the fact that the virus multiplies and assimilates in the salivary glands of the infected animal with the effect of further transmission through biting. The ability to transmit the virus would decrease significantly if the infected individual could swallow saliva and water

Sajeev Kumar · Accepted Answer

The excess saliva that occurs is probably due to the impact of the virus on the nervous system. Saliva production is greatly increased and attempts to drink, or even the intention or suggestion of drinking may cause excruciatingly painful spasms of the muscles in the throat and larynx. This can be attributed to the fact that the virus multiplies and assimilates in the salivary glands of the infected animal with the effect of further transmission through biting. The ability to transmit the virus would decrease significantly if the infected individual could swallow saliva and water