Why is rabies called hydrophobia?

Question

Doesn't the term hydrophobia literally mean fear of water?

Answer 1

The production of large quantities of saliva and tears coupled with an inability to speak or swallow are typical during the later stages of the disease; this can result in "hydrophobia", where the victim has difficulty swallowing because the throat and jaw become slowly paralyzed, shows panic when presented with liquids to drink, and cannot quench his or her thirst. The disease itself was also once commonly known as hydrophobia, from this characteristic symptom. The patient "foams at the mouth" because they cannot swallow their own saliva for days and it gathers in the mouth until it overflows.

Answer 2

Actually, "Aquaphobia" is a fear of water.  Though "Hydrophobia" would mean the same...

"Hydrophobia" was an old name for rabies, and is now just considered a symptom.  Basically, the animal's throat muscles become partially paralyzed and they're unable to swallow/drink water.  So many become neurotic at the sight of water, presumably because they want to drink but can't.  This is also where the foaming at the mouth comes from... they can't swallow spit, so it just dribbles out and froths up.