Rabies

Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system. Rabies is always fatal unless treated before symptoms appear.

A virus found in infected, warm-blooded animals causes rabies. Animals in the U.S. that commonly carry the virus include:

• Bats
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Coyotes

The Rabies virus is present in the saliva, brain, or nerve tissue of infected animals. Usually, humans contract rabies through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. The virus may also be transmitted if infected tissue comes into contact with human mucous membranes, such as in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The only risk factor for contracting Rabies is contact with an infected animal.

If you think you have been exposed to Rabies see a doctor or contact a public health official immediately. If the animal is available and appears well, it will be kept under observation for 7-10 days. If no symptoms develop, you are not at risk for Rabies. If the animal is sick or dead, it's head will be shipped to a special facility where its brain will be examined for the presence of the virus. In the meantime, you may be advised to begin treatment. If the animal is unavailable, treatment will be recommended depending on the animals species, where the encounter took place, and other factors.

If an animal has bitten you, immediately do the following:

• Wash the wound with soap and water to remove saliva
• Call your doctor or public health official

If it is likely that you have been exposed to Rabies, your doctor will recommend post-exposure prophylaxis. This involves two injections: Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG)
This should be given within 24 hours after exposure. It contains large quantities of antibodies to the rabies virus. Ideally, half of the dose is delivered into the wound and surrounding tissue. The remainder is given intramuscularly. If you have already received a Rabies vaccine, you may not need the HRIG shot.
Other Rabies Vaccines
Unlike the HRIG, Rabies vaccines cause your own immune system to develop protective antibodies against the rabies virus. These antibodies will live in your body for many years. There are three types of rabies vaccines available:

• Human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV)
• Rabies vaccine adsorbed (RVA)
• Purified chick embryo cell culture (PCEC)

Over the next four weeks, your doctor will give you five shots of one of these vaccines. The vaccine will be injected into your upper arm muscles.
Certain medications may interfere with your bodys response to the rabies vaccine. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications or herbs that you take on a regular basis.

To help prevent Rabies:

• Vaccinate house pets.
• Avoid contact with wild animals.
• Do not touch any wild animal, even if it appears to be dead.
• Seal basement, porch, and attic openings to prevent an animal from entering your home.
• Report any animal to your local animal control authorities that is acting strangely or appears sick.
• If you regularly come in contact with animals, have the rabies vaccine prior to any exposure to rabies (preexposure prophylaxis). Booster doses are often required.