Rabies

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded mammals (humans and animals). The disease can cause confusion, breathing problems and seizures. It may not show up for two to eight weeks. If not treated immediately, there is no cure. The person will die.

What is Rabies?

• A virus, Rabies is spread from infected animals to people or other animals by saliva
• Spread by a bite or by contact with contaminated saliva on a cut or moist tissues (mouth, nose or eyes) from an infected animal
• An infected animal, can spread rabies even before there are any signs of the disease
• All animals that contract rabies will die
• If not treated immediately, rabies is fatal to humans

What are the symptoms of Rabies?

There are two ways that Rabies can manifest itself: "dumb" or "furious".

Dumb

• Infected animal may become depressed and retreat to isolated places
• Wild animals, especially skunks, may lose their fear of humans
• Animals may show signs of partial paralysis: abnormal facial expressions, drooping head, sagging jaw, or paralyzed hind limbs

Furious

• Infected animals may show extreme excitement and aggression
• May gnaw and bite their own limbs
• May attack stationary objects or other animals
• Bouts of furious rabies usually alternate with periods of depression

Strains of Rabies

Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are the wild animals most likely to be encountered with-in the city limits. These are the most common strains of rabies and are so named because of the animal that carries the virus.

• Raccoon rabies
• Arctic fox rabies
• Bat rabies

How long before symptoms/signs of Rabies can be noted?

Onset of symptoms can range from approximately two weeks to many months, after exposure to the virus.

What should I do if I think I have been in contact with a rabid animal?

• Wash the affected area well with soap and water
• Immediately contact your doctor/or go to the Hospital Emergency department
• If clothing has been in contact with saliva, wash it immediately in soap and hot water

What should I do if I see a sick or dead animal?

• Do not touch or approach the animal
• Call your local Humane Society/Police immediately
• DO NOT report road kill

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine protects people after they have been licked (on an open wound/sore), bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies. The vaccine will protect you only if you receive all the needles, there are five required (5). Your doctor gives these over a one-month period. The vaccine should be started as soon as possible after contact with the suspect animal.

Side effects vary with each individual. Some experience redness, mild pain, swelling, and/or itching for a few days at the injection site. Others may experience headaches, a loss of appetite, stomach pain, muscle aches and/or dizziness. Serious side effects are rare.

You should contact your doctor if you developed hives, vomiting, high fever, convulsions/seizures and any other serious health problems.

Every person should receive the vaccine if there is ANY risk of contracting the disease.

Preventive Measures

• Do not feed or touch a wild animal
• Do not touch dead or sick animals
• Get your pet vaccinated against rabies
• Keep your pets confined on a leash
• Stay away from wild, stray, or aggressive animals
• Seek immediate medical attention if contact with a suspected rabid animal
• Contact your local animal control department/police if you see a potentially rabid animal
• DO NOT touch bats, skunks, raccoons or foxes
• Animal-proof your house, cottage and workplace