Rabies is a viral disease which attacks nerve and brain tissue. In South Carolina, wild animals account for the highest number of reported rabies cases. These are raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. Rarely infected are rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits and hamsters.
How does it spread?
Rabies is transmitted by a rabid animal biting a healthy one. The virus passes from the saliva of the sick animal through the wound into the healthy animal. It also can be spread when the saliva of a rabid animal enters an opening in the skin, such as a cut or scratch.
Symptoms of Rabies in Animals
Rabid animals appear to act differently than normal, such as:
Wild animals which seem to be friendly or tame.- Wild animals, which you normally only see at night, seen in the daytime.
- Pets which seem to have a hard time walking, eating or drinking.
- Signs of excitement or meanness in animals.
Don't think that rabid animals can be spotted easily because they drool or foam at the mouth. This happens only some of the time in the latter stages of the disease.
Symptoms of Rabies in Man
Early symptoms in humans include irritability, headache, fever and sometimes itching or pain at the site of exposure. The disease eventually progresses to paralysis, convulsions and death. There is no cure for rabies.
Prevention
Vaccinate your dog and cat. Pets are more likely to be bitten by wild animals. Vaccinating your dog and cat not only protects the pet, but also protects family members who come in contact with the pet. In South Carolina domesticated cats, dogs, and ferrets must be vaccinated.
Do not allow your dog and cat to run free.
Avoid strange-acting animals both domestic and wild. Teach your children to stay away from wild animals and unknown dogs and cats. Make sure they tell you if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.
Don't attempt to keep wild animals as pets. There is no rabies vaccine licensed for use in wild animals.
What to do if bitten by an animal
- Immediately wash any wounds with soap and water
- Then call your doctor and follow his recommendations
- Report the bite to your local health department. The Health Department may require quarantining or testing of biting animals for rabies
- Do not kill any animal in such a way that the head will be damaged. The head must be in good condition for laboratory testing
For additional information, contact your local health department.