Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hyper-salivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.
If a dog, cat, or ferret bites or otherwise exposes a human being and the animal is available, we enforce a ten-day confinement period, during which the animal’s health is monitored. If the animal’s rabies vaccine is not current and the exposure occurred off an owner’s property, the animal will be confined for the 10 day period in the county animal shelter or, if the owner requests, at a local veterinarian at owner’s expense. If the dog, cat or ferret is dead, the animal’s brain tissue can be tested for the presence of rabies virus if done rather quickly after death.
If an animal other than a dog, cat, or ferret is involved, the animal must be euthanized and the brain tested for the presence of rabies virus, as the incubation period for the virus is unknown. If the offending animal cannot be found or captured, we advise potentially exposed persons, in consultation with their physician and the Health Director, regarding post-exposure treatment. Whenever a human being sustains an exposure to a mammal in such a manner as rabies is a concern the health department should be notified as soon as possible after the exposure occurs. Post-exposure treatment (PET) consists of shots of immune globulin and rabies vaccine (a series of 4 injections given over 2 weeks). PET must begin prior to the development of rabies’ symptoms, and is must be started as soon as possible after the exposure. The health department may assist in providing pre-exposure treatment for rabies to persons potentially at-risk to occupational exposure to rabies.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccine is given to people at high risk of rabies to protect them if they are exposed. It can also prevent the disease if it is given to a person after they have been exposed.
Rabies vaccine is made from killed rabies virus. It cannot cause rabies. Download the Rabies Vaccine Information Sheet.
Who should get rabies vaccine and when?
Preventive vaccination (no exposure)
- People at high risk of exposure to rabies, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, rabies laboratory workers, spelunkers, and rabies biologics production workers should be offered rabies vaccine.
- The vaccine should also be considered for:
- People whose activities bring them into frequent contact with rabies virus or with possibly rabid animals.
- International travelers who are likely to come in contact with animals in parts of the world where rabies is common.
The pre-exposure schedule for rabies vaccination is 3 doses, given at the following times:
- Dose 1: As appropriate
- Dose 2: 7 days after Dose 1
- Dose 3: 21 days or 28 days after Dose 1
For laboratory workers and others who may be repeatedly exposed to rabies virus, periodic testing for immunity is recommended, and booster doses should be given as needed. (Testing or booster doses are not recommended for travelers.) Ask your doctor for details.
Vaccination after an exposure
Anyone who has been bitten by an animal, or who otherwise may have been exposed to rabies, should clean the wound and see a doctor immediately. The doctor will determine if they need to be vaccinated.
A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get 4 doses of rabies vaccine – one dose right away, and additional doses on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days. They should also get another shot called Rabies Immune Globulin at the same time as the first dose.
A person who has been previously vaccinated should get 2 doses of rabies vaccine – one right away and another on the 3rd day. Rabies Immune Globulin is not needed.
Tell your doctor if…
Talk with a doctor before getting rabies vaccine if you:
- ever had a serious (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous dose of rabies vaccine, or to any component of the vaccine; tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies,
- have a weakened immune system because of:
- HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,
- treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids,
- cancer, or cancer treatment with radiation or drugs.
If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you can be vaccinated. If you are moderately or severely ill, you should probably wait until you recover before getting a routine (non-exposure) dose of rabies vaccine.
If you have been exposed to rabies virus, you should get the vaccine regardless of any other illnesses you may have.
For more information, speak to your doctor, visit the CDC’s Rabies Website, or contact your local health department.