Facts About Rabies

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. In the Washington area, rabies is most often found in wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Other mammals, including dogs, cats and farm animals, can get rabies if they are not vaccinated.

Rabies in animals causes paralysis and changes in behavior. Animals may become very aggressive or unusually friendly, and their throat and jaw muscles may become paralyzed and cause drooling. The disease progresses quickly to coma and death.

Here are some tips if you are bitten or exposed to an animal that might be rabid:

· Immediately wash the wound well with soap and water; if a disinfectant is available, use it to flush the wound.

· Get prompt medical attention.

· Immediately report the exposure to your local animal control agency, health department or police.

Here are some tips to avoid rabies exposure:

· Do not approach, handle or feed wild or stray animals.

· Have your dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies.

· Cover garbage cans tightly, and do not leave food outside that may attract wild and stray animals.

· Teach children to stay away from wild animals or animals that they do not know.

· Prevent bats from entering your home by using window screens and chimney caps and by closing any openings.

· Wear gloves when handling an animal if it has been in a fight with another animal. Keep it away from people and other animals and call your veterinarian or local health department to report the animal exposure.

SOURCE: Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene