The virus infects the brain of animals, leading to unusual and often aggressive behavior. So, are there other ways for a dog to infect you with rabies? Although raccoons suffer from rabies more than any other mammal in the United States (about 35 % of all animal rabies cases), only one human death from the raccoon strain of rabies has been recorded in the United States. If youre bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies, the . Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus infection fact sheet If your body makes enough antibodies, the virus will die. You can't get rabies through the air. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. You can get anti-rabies shots right away. Any mammal (an animal that suckles its young) can spread the rabies virus. Thats because the saliva needs to enter your body in certain ways for it to pose a real threat. Make sure all residents and visitors are aware of the bat-proofing efforts and report any contact between bats and people or pets to your local health department. One way that could happen is if a dog licks openings on your body. What to do with an animal that has bitten a person, Caring for animals with potential exposure, Precautions or contraindications for rabies vaccination, State and local rabies consultation contacts, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. PDF Guidance Regarding Human Exposure to Rabies and Postexposure Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Pediatrics 48 years experience. People can get rabies only via a bite from a rabid animal or possibly through scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes in contact with saliva or brain tissue from a rabid animal. N Engl J Med. Rabies is a virus that is carried by mammals and is deadly to humans and animals if they are not treated shortly after exposure. After potential Rabies exposure, HRIG must be administered promptly with the first dose of the Rabies vaccine series. How long can a rabies virus remain active in saliva which is outside the host animal? i know his fears are unfounded, but he wants to talk to a doctor. What to do with an animal that has bitten a person, Caring for animals with potential exposure, Precautions or contraindications for rabies vaccination, State and local rabies consultation contacts, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The rabies virus in the brain causes physical changes that bring about behavioural aberrations, including aggression to other animals and people. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. On top of that, getting bit by a dog also means you could potentially contract rabies. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Rabies can also be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, such as gums. High body temperature (Fever) The most typical sign of cat rabies is a high body temperature or feverish feeling.
