Rabies Facts
What is it?
Rabies is a serious viral disease. It can be carried by both household pets (cats and dogs) and wild animals like skunks, bats, raccoons, cattle, foxes and woodchucks. Rabbits, squirrels, mice and other rodents rarely carry the disease. If an animal has rabies, it is called a "rabid" animal.
How do you get it?
Rabies can be spread by animal bites from rabid animals. It can also be spread through scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes that are licked by a rabid animal. Any wild animal that bites a person should be considered rabid.
What should you do if an animal bites you?
If you are bitten by an animal, see a doctor immediately. Do not wait, because once symptoms of rabies appear there is no known cure. If the doctor feels you are in danger of getting rabies, he will recommend that you have a series of vaccine shots. This series of shots must be completely followed as directed.
All animal bites are reported to the Public Health Department and local Police Department. If the animal is known, it will be watched for ten days for signs of rabies. If the animal cannot be found, you may be treated as if the animal had rabies.
It is important to encourage friends and family to make sure their pets get rabies shots.
This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.
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