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Southwest Utah Public Health Department

rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that is contracted through direct contact of an infected mammal, such as through a scratch, bite, saliva of other infectious material that enters into an open wound. Rabies is mostly found in animals such as racoons, foxes, skunks and bats. In many countries outside of the US, dogs can also carry rabies. Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, and ultimately infects the brain and can be fatal if appropriate medical care is not taken following exposure.

Prevention

To prevent pets from rabies:

  • Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date.
  • Keep your pet under supervision to avoid contact with potential infected mammals.
  • Contact animal control to remove stray animals from an area.

In people you can prevent rabies by:

  • Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date.
  • Keep your pet under supervision to avoid contact with potential infected mammals.
  • Contact animal control to remove stray animals from an area.

Rabies in people is nearly 100% preventable through prompt medical care.

Symptoms

First symptoms of rabies are similar to the flu and last for days:

  • Weakness
  • Discomfort
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Itching sensation at site

As symptoms progress, individuals might start feeling:

  • Anxious
  • Confused
  • Agitated
  • Develop a fear of water
  • Hallucinate
  • Insomniac

Symptoms in animals are often similar to humans. 

Testing/Diagnosis

In humans, several tests are required for diagnosis such as saliva, blood, spinal fluid and skin biopsies of
hair follicles.

In animals, the test requires the animal to be euthanized because the virus is present in nervous tissue. Rabies antigen is seen as fluorescent apple green areas when visualized under a fluorescent microscope.

Rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis is essential for proper medical care.

Treatment

Those who are exposed to rabies need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

PEP consists of one dose of human rabies immune globulin and four rabies vaccines. Individuals who previously receive rabies immune globulin only need vaccine.

Providers

Individuals with exposure, or potential exposure to rabies, should be seen in the Emergency Room. Your doctor will determine the best way to care for any wounds. Providers can consult with the local health department on risk assessment and PEP recommendations.

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