Rabid by Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy

6.5 out of 10

Rabies is a terrifying virus.  It is regularly transmitted through numerous animals plus humans.  Infecting the brain and nervous system, symptoms include hydrophobia, aggressive behavior, and almost certain death.  Documented by the Sumerians, Greeks, and other civilizations, it directly drove individuals crazy and indirectly caused mass hysteria.  Werewolf and vampire folklore derived from the frenzy.  Common tales of rabies poured in from the Canadian and American frontiers.  Finally, medical progress was made in the form of dog immunizations produced by the famous Louis Pasteur.  In the modern world, there are still some Old Yeller situations--even some mass acts of canicide--to reduce the risk of rabies.  But, animal vaccinations have made people, pets, and livestock considerably less likely to succumb to such a cruel fate.