Recently, a Cornelia resident was attacked by a possibly rabid fox and alerts, to be on the look-out for this dangerous animal, were sent out immediately by local media. While being attacked or bitten by a rabid animal is unusual, it can happen. Knowing what to do is important in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
What animals are susceptible to rabies?
Any animal can get rabies. Wild animals such as foxes, raccoons, bats and coyotes are the most common. Domestic animals such as cats and dogs can also be infected. You should seek medical attention for all animal bites. It is also important for the animal to be tested to determine if the animal has rabies or not and to determine the proper course of action for both the animal bite victim and the animal.
Most bites are harmless; like when you are petting an animal that appears healthy and harmless, and it bites you. But, of serious concern is when animals come from seemingly out of nowhere and bite you even though they were not provoked. This is a strong indication that the animal is rabid.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of a rabid animal. The salvia from the mouth penetrates through the skin and into the surrounding brain/nervous system tissue of the animal’s victim.
What to do if bitten
If bitten by a possible rabid animal, you should wash all animal bites or wounds immediately with soap and water as this will decrease the chance of infection. Also, immediately have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you are alone. Calling 9-1-1 is also very important for another reason in that it notifies the authorities to send out an alert that a possible rabid animal is on the loose. And, it starts a manhunt for the animal in question, so it can be captured, tested and prevented from hurting anyone else.
Health care providers can determine if you need the rabies vaccination which is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). “This determination is based on multiple factors including the type of exposure and the type of animal involved,” says Beth Hester, RN and Director of the Habersham Medical Center Emergency Department. “If required, the health care provider will give the victim the first dose of the rabies vaccine immediately after exposure. Then, the patient will need to come back on day three, seven and 14 for additional vaccine doses. The vaccine is relatively painless and is similar to a flu shot as it is given in the arm.”
According to Hester, 17 patients have been given the rabies vaccination in the Habersham Medical Center ED in the past year. “Even if the rabies vaccine is not necessary, many times the injury itself may require medical treatment such as repairing a laceration, giving antibiotics to prevent infection, or administering a tetanus vaccine,” adds Hester.
If left untreated and a person is infected with rabies, it can be deadly. Initial symptoms are similar to having the flu and include a fever and headache. As the illness progresses, the victim may have hallucinations and insomnia. According to the CDC, once the disease progresses and a person exhibits symptoms of the disease, survival is rare. But, rabies in humans is curable if treated immediately.
It is also important to take your pets to a veterinarian regularly and keep their rabies shots up-to-date. And, always watch your children when they are playing outside. Be familiar with the pets in your area and always be on the look-out for suspicious animals.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.
About the Author
A graduate of Brenau University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and Piedmont College with a master’s degree in public administration, April James has served as the director of business development and volunteer services at Habersham Medical Center since 2001. She also has more than 15 years of experience in broadcasting and is an adjunct professor at Emmanuel College. She and her husband, Brian, have three children and reside in Franklin Springs, Georgia.
