Health Department observes Sept. 28 as World Rabies Day
Rabies is a disease that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by a virus carried in the saliva of infected animals and is usually transmitted to other animals or people through a bite or scratch. Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats, but domesticated animals are also at risk if they have the opportunity to come in contact with an infected animal.
As the Santa Rosa County Health Department observes September 28 as World Rabies Day, residents are reminded to take precautions to avoid exposure to rabies:
â— Avoid all contact with wild and unfamiliar domesticated animals.
â— Do not place feeders in the yard - food will attract unwanted animals such as
raccoons and foxes.
â— Do not leave pets outside unsupervised.
â— Bring in pet food at night and secure trash cans with fasteners or place
trash cans in the garage.
â— Cover bird feeders. Most squirrel-proof coverings also deter wild animals.
â— Most importantly, vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep their
vaccination up to date.
Rabies has been reported in every U.S. state except Hawaii. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 55,000 people will die worldwide this year from rabies, half of them under the age of 15. How can you tell if an animal has rabies?
â— An animal with rabies may appear sick or lethargic.
â— The animal may have trouble swallowing, drool or salivate excessively.
â— A wild animal may appear more tame than is normal.
â— Some animals may have no symptoms at all.
If you see an animal that is acting strangely, contact Santa Rosa County Animal Control at
850-983-4680. If you are bitten, wash the wound with soap and water for at least five minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Report the bite to the Santa Rosa County Health Department at 850-983-5200.
To learn more about rabies and World Rabies Day, visit www.worldrabiesday.org or www.cdc.gov.
