Preventable with vaccine and PEP but once symptoms manifest, there is no cure and the CFR is greater than 99

The description you've provided aligns closely with the characteristics of rabies, a viral disease that predominantly affects mammals. Here’s a detailed elaboration:

1. Nature of the Disease: Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. It affects the central nervous system and leads to brain inflammation.

2. Preventability: The disease can be effectively prevented through vaccination, both for animals and humans at risk (e.g., people who work with animals or are exposed to wildlife). Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a series of rabies vaccinations after exposure to the virus, is also highly effective if administered before symptoms appear.

3. Symptom Manifestation: Once rabies symptoms develop, such as confusion, agitation, hydrophobia, and paralysis, the disease progresses rapidly. At this stage, there is no effective cure, and the patient generally succumbs to the disease.

4. Case Fatality Rate (CFR): The case fatality rate for rabies is more than 99%, making it one of the deadliest viral infections once clinical symptoms appear.

5. Importance of Awareness: Public health initiatives focus on vaccination and awareness of the importance of seeking prompt medical treatment following potential exposure to rabid animals to prevent rabies from developing.

Overall, prevention through vaccination and prompt medical intervention is critical in managing rabies, given its near-certain fatality once symptoms arise.