Rabies

The infectious path of Rabies virus

Just the Facts Possible in any mammal. Occurs mostly in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid. 1-2 deaths per year, nearly always in untreated individuals. Only one known case of survival with no pre-/post treatment: 15 yr old girl in 2004. A bite is not necessary…can be transmitted by saliva to cut or mucous membrane. Has been transmitted by organ transplants; four deaths from one donor! Treatment: a course of rabies immune globulin and five doses of vaccine given over a 4-week period typically exceeds $1,000.

Symptoms in Humans Infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and death. Early symptoms of rabies are nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general malaise. Advanced symptoms: insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

Rabid Animal Reports in PA in 2010 Raccoon – 217 Skunk – 56 Cat – 56 Bat- 29 Fox – 25 Cow – 7 Deer – 6 Groundhog – 5 Horse – 5 Dog – 4

How to Prevent Rabies Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. This benefits you and your pet No pet contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes. When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries.