Why Does Rabies Cause Hydrophobia? 🧠💧 Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nervous system, and one of its most terrifying symptoms is hydrophobia (fear of water). But why does this happen? 🦠 The rabies virus spreads to the brain and causes severe inflammation, especially in the brainstem, which controls swallowing and breathing. ⚡ This inflammation leads to spasms of the throat muscles, making it extremely painful to swallow. Even the sight or sound of water can trigger uncontrollable