Rabies

FAQ:

– What is rabies?

Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease of the brain and death. Rabies is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. Pets and livestock can get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them against infection.

What are signs that an animal has rabies?

The first sign of rabies is usually a change in an animal’s behavior. It may become unusually aggressive or tame. The animal may lose its fear of people and natural enemies. A wild animal may appear affectionate and friendly. It may become excited or irritable and attack anything in its path. Staggering, convulsions, choking, frothing at the mouth and paralysis are sometimes seen. Many animals will make very unusual sounds. Infected animals usually die within one week after showing signs of rabies.

What should I do if I was exposed to an animal that might be rabid?

1. Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
2. Report the animal bite to Delaware County Public Health Services 607-832-5200 or 607-832-5555 after 4pm, weekends and holidays.  Staff is available around the clock to respond to rabies questions and potential exposures. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room; you may need a rabies vaccination.

How do I protect my pets from rabies?

The best way to keep pets safe from rabies is to vaccinate them and keep their shots up-to-date. If your pet has been injured by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian to get medical care. Even though your pet has been vaccinated, a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within five days of the incident. Contact Delaware County Public Health Services to determine if more follow up is needed.

A bat was flying around in my child’s bedroom while the child was sleeping. What should I do?

If you or someone in your home has potentially been exposed to a bat, the bat should be safely captured (if possible) and you should immediately contact Delaware County Public Health Services. When appropriate, Public Health will arrange for testing of the bat. If the bat can be captured and tests negative for rabies, then you will not need PEP.