What disease is characterized by hydrophobia and aerophobia due to involuntary spasms?

The disease characterized by hydrophobia and aerophobia due to involuntary spasms is indeed encephalitic rabies. This condition arises from an infection with the rabies virus, which predominantly affects the central nervous system. As the infection progresses, it can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including seizures, hallucinations, and the classic symptomatology of hydrophobia (the fear of water) and aerophobia (the fear of drafts or fresh air).

Hydrophobia is particularly notable because it occurs due to the painful throat muscle spasms experienced when attempting to swallow, which can make the patient fearful or unable to drink water. The spasms can also arise as a response to the stimulation of the throat muscles when exposed to water or air, leading to a heightened fear response.

Therefore, the defining features of hydrophobia and aerophobia in this context are directly related to the motor dysfunction caused by the rabies virus as it affects the brain and spinal cord, ultimately resulting in these involuntary spasms and the associated fears.