Help me celebrate World Rabies Day (September 28, 2010)!
Facts about RABIES:
Almost 6,700 cases of RABIES were reported in the United States in 2009. Three people died. In Massachusetts, there were 130 cases, including 9 rabid cats.
Any mammal, INCLUDING HUMANS, can become infected with RABIES. In the United States, RABIES is most commonly seen in raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes.
RABIES is caused by a bullet-shaped virus. The virus is found in the saliva of infected animals.
RABIES is usually transmitted through bite wounds. Rarely, people have become infected with RABIES from saliva entering scratches on their skin, by visiting bat-infested caves or through organ transplants.
RABIES is a DEADLY disease. Once the symptoms occur, it’s almost always fatal.
RABIES can be prevented.
Steps you can take to prevent RABIES:
Have your dog or cat vaccinated by a veterinarian. In Massachusetts, both cats and dogs are REQUIRED to be vaccinated for the RABIES virus.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has any contact with a wild animal or is bitten by another dog or cat. Even if your pet is vaccinated for RABIES at the time of exposure, it may need a booster.
Don’t pet or approach wildlife, especially if they are acting sick or disoriented. Nocturnal animals that are out during the day (such as raccoons or skunks) may be rabid. Report strange behavior in wild animals to your animal control officer or the state wildlife department.
Don’t touch dead wildlife. Contact your local animal control officer to arrange pickup and disposal.
Contact your primary care provider if you are bitten by an animal, even if that animal is vaccinated for RABIES. Your physician can determine your risk of contracting RABIES and may take steps to prevent you from getting the disease.
What you should know about BATS and RABIES:
Bats may carry the RABIES virus without appearing sick.
Bats found in your home may need to be tested for RABIES if:
- Any person or pet touched the bat;
- A child, mentally impaired person, or pet was in the same room as the bat; OR
- A bat was found in the same room as a sleeping person.
If you find a bat in your home and there is potential for exposure to any person or pet, contact your local animal control officer. The bat should be caught and submitted for RABIES testing. If the bat escapes or is not available for testing, contact your primary care provider, local health department, or veterinarian for instructions.
To learn more about RABIES contact:
