the main vector for transmission of the disease between hosts is in the saliva of an infected individual. This means that the primary causes of the disease spreading are bites, or shared food and drink between the host and an uninfected person. contact, such as kissing someone who's infected, even if not fully turned, also carries the risk of infection.
there is an incubation period before the disease completely takes over somebodies body. this can range from a couple of hours if bitten on the neck or head, to between 1-2 days if bitten on a hand or leg, with other body parts being somewhere in the middle. the closer the site of infection to the brain, the faster the infection takes hold. injesting infected fluid, for examble in contaminated food, may take slightly longer to turn somebody depending on the amount injested. there is no known vaccine to the disease.
hosts of the disease will start showing symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, excess drooling and a lack of interest in eating or drinking. they may quickly become disorientated and uncoordinated, and report headaches, stomach pains or nausea.
after a few hours, the symptoms continue to get worse, the host will have great trouble talking and moving and the previous signs of confusion will start becoming displays of aggression to the other humans in the area. they may have moments of clarity and calm, and may not yet try and bite, but you should still remain cautious around them.
finally, the disease will completely take hold. the host will become aggressive and attempt to attack any humans in the immediate area.
as soon as the disease completely takes over the brain, the infected host will move to attack any organic being it sees, but prioritises other humans who it aims to turn.
no longer limited by the hosts own wants, and unrestrained by pain, the diseased host has enhanced capabilities in terms of strength, stamina and speed. it attacks ruthlessly, capable of running and lunging at it's percieved prey. their sense of sound is particularly strong at this point, and they may react to the smell of fresh blood or other living human smells. although, it's sense of sight relies fairly heavily on movement. infected at all stages drool excessively.
this stage still has some limitations, though. even as a fresh infected, the host will have poor coordination and often does not strategise, attacking blindly. they can't use tools, and have trouble with door handles or using stairs/climbing up steep hills. an infected will be unable to climb up walls or buildings, even with the assistance of a ladder. they cannot swim well, and are prone to drowning. an infected may attempt to tear, dig or move things with some success, and is capable of jumping down onto somebody, or "pouncing" once close enough to a target. however, they cannot jump very high.
across the span of a few weeks and months, the infected will start to deteriorate physically, with this eyesight and formerly enhanced features also starting to fail. this process is sped up if the infected hasn't had anything to eat for a long time. the body is overall weaker and coordination worsening, but they're still highly dangerous and capable of infecting others.
the body, similar to deer with CWD, will start to show physical signs of decay, starting with emaciation but later with hair and skin falling off or rotting. this is accellerated in warmer climates and exposure to insects. the diseased are easier to fight off, but are still not to be underestimated.
past the one year mark and beyond, and depending on various conditions, the infected will show more advanced stages of rot. the brain will be the last thing kept alive, and so long as this remains in tact and there is remaining muscle, the infected will continue to move and hunt, albeit to a much lesser extent. they are still capable of infecting people, but become less of an active threat over time.
eventually, the infected will decay to a point that they can no longer sustain themselves, and will completely decompose after a long time. they are no longer an active threat, but should still be disposed of carefully.