CDPH officials urge residents to take steps to prevent, control rabies

In response to two recent rabid animal exposures in Cobb County, Cobb & Douglas Public Health officials are encouraging individuals to take immediate steps to reduce contact with infected animals.

Rabies is caused by a virus that animals and people can get through certain exposures to the saliva or nervous tissue from a rabid animal, and is nearly always fatal without proper care following exposure.

It is estimated that every year 30,000 to 40,000 U.S. residents are potentially exposed to rabies, requiring human rabies post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination. In 2009, Cobb and Douglas Counties had 15 animals test positive for rabies. In the U.S., raccoons are the most common animals found to be rabid, followed by skunks and bats. The most recent cases in Cobb County included one individual who was injured by a cat and another who was exposed to a bat; both animals tested positive for rabies.

According to Public Health officials, it is essential that people take the appropriate steps to prevent and control rabies. “As people start spending more time outdoors it is important that residents try to reduce the risk for animal bites and potential exposure to rabies,” said Jennifer Munoz, Epidemiologist. "Additionally, if a person is bitten by an animal or has a potential rabies exposure, like handling a bat, a person should wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention, if needed, and report the bite to the proper agency for rabies advice.

“Rabies in humans is almost always fatal. However, it is also 100 percent preventable,” she said.

Although the majority of rabies cases occur in wildlife, most humans are exposed to the virus as a result of an encounter with an infected domestic animal. Keeping pets, including cats and dogs, up-to-date on vaccinations, is the best way to help prevent rabies in humans and domestic animals.

“Rabies can threaten all members of the family, including pets. For many people, pets are cherished and loved members of the family,” said Munoz. “Speaking with a veterinarian about keeping current with vaccination not only helps to make sure they are free from rabies, but also reduces the risk of exposure for all family members.”

The tips below offer more suggestions on what people can do to minimize the spread of rabies.

Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner

• All dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies. Consider vaccinating valuable livestock and horses. Animals that have frequent contact with humans should be vaccinated.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce any tendency they might have to roam or fight and thus reduce the chance that they will be exposed to rabies.

Reduce the risk of exposure to rabies from wildlife

• Don’t feed or water your pets outside. Even empty bowls will attract wild and stray animals.
• Keep your garbage securely covered. Open garbage will attract wild or stray animals.
• Wild animals such as raccoons, bats, and foxes should not be kept as pets.
• Enjoy all wild animals from a distance and teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals – even if they appear friendly.
• If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to city or county animal control officials.
• Bat-proof your home in the fall and winter.

Bats and Rabies

• Bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen.
• Although many people know if they have been bitten by a bat, there are certain circumstances when a person might not be aware or unable to tell you that they have been bitten. These circumstances include:
  • If a sleeping person awakes to find a bat in the room
  • If you find a bat in a room with an unattended child
  • If you see a bat near a person with disabilities
  • If you see a bat near a person who is intoxicated

In these circumstances, safely capture the bat for rabies testing. If the bat tests positive for rabies, or is unavailable for testing, the person should seek medical advice regarding the need for post exposure anti-rabies vaccination.

For help with animal testing, contact Cobb County Animal Control at 770-499-4136 or Douglas County Animal Control at 770-942-5961 and Cobb & Douglas Public Health at 770-514-2432 option 7 for medical advice.

For more information about Rabies Prevention visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.