. "y of the infection site to the central nervous system (CNS) and brain.??? After weeks to months, the virus infects the peripheral nerves and travels up the CNS to the brain (prodrome phase).??? Infection of the brain causes classic symptoms, coma, and death (neurologic phase).??? During the neurologic phase the virus spreads to the glands, skin, and other body parts, including the salivary glands," . . .