Rabies Brochure
Rabies Brochure
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose, or mouth of a person or animal. Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal.
What if I am bitten?
Dont panic, but dont ignore the bite. Wash the wound thoroughly and vigorously with soap and lots of water. Call your physician immediately and explain how you were bitten. Follow the doctors advice. If necessary, your physician will give you the post exposure treatment recommended by the United States Public Health Service and may also treat you for other possible infections that could result from the bite. If possible, confine or capture the animal under a large box or other container if that can be done safely. Once captured, dont try to pick up the animal. Call the local animal control authorities to collect it. If the animal cannot be captured, try to memorize its appearance (size, color, etc.) and where it went after biting you. If it is a wild animal, only try to capture it if you can do so without getting bitten again. If the animal cannot be contained and must be killed to prevent its escape, do so without damaging the head. The brain will be needed to test for rabies. Report the bite to the local health department. Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop the infection and prevent the disease.
For more information on rabies, contact your veterinarian, or your local health department, or visit the following sites: American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) United States Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)
American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 - 4360 Phone: 847-925-8070 Fax: 847-925-1329 www.avma.org
Revised 9/06