All About Rabies – Avoidance and What to Do If You Get Bit
It was following us and allowed us to pet him. We didn’t think it was odd, we thought it was cool. We put him in an old cage by our neighbor’s house, and fed and played with him. We didn’t even close the cage, the groundhog just stayed there, and eventually died. Thinking back now, I realize he probably had rabies, and my brother and I were both very lucky.
What Is Rabies?
Animals generally carry rabies. This virus is easily transferred from animal to human by way of blood, saliva and other bodily fluids. You don’t even have to get bit to contract rabies from an infected animal, though this is by far the most common way. The most common carriers of rabies are cats, dogs, bats, raccoons, and other smaller animals.
There are two types of rabies. The first affects the brain and will turn the animal aggressive and unpredictable. The second type makes the victim weak and friendly after affecting the spinal cord.
Avoid
Keep your garbage tightly closed and clean up after backyard picnics or parties. Keep basement and attic windows secure so wild animals cannot enter your home. Use precautions on all openings in your homes including windows, chimneys and dryer vents.
Don’t pet wild animals that walk right up to you. This should send up a red flag. Get inside your home, and make sure you take your pets with you. Back away from the animal without turning your back to it. Call the police or animal control to report any strange animal in your yard.
Protect Your Pets
Don’t leave your dog chained up in your yard while you are not present. If a rabid animal comes after them, they are defenseless. It is best to feed all pets inside so you don’t attract wild animals to your yard.
The most important thing you can do to avoid rabies is to have your pets vaccinated and be sure your pets receives rabies booster shots as necessary.
If your animal has come into contact with a rabid animal, get them to your veterinarian as soon as you can. Remember that rabies can be spread by saliva or other bodily fluids, so you should wear gloves and protective clothing while handling your pet. Your pet should receive a rabies booster shot within a few days of being bitten or exposed to rabies.
If You Get Bit
When a person gets rabies, they will die if not treated, usually within five to six weeks. A person with rabies will begin to feel depressed, nervous, and become excessively thirsty. Death comes in the form of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
The good news is that it is treatable if identified. If a person has come into contact with a rabid animal, they should wash thoroughly with a lot of soapy water. Go to the emergency room as soon as possible. You will likely receive shots. The days of multiple shots in the stomach are over; you will likely receive a limited number of shots in a different area of the body over a period of time.
After seeking medical attention, tell animal control as much as you can about the animal that bit you so they animal can be found and tested for rabies.
Wrap Up
Rabies is most commonly fatal in countries other than the U.S. If you do get bit, you are fine as long as you get medical attention as soon as possible. Keep your pets up-to-date with their shots and remember to avoid contact with any animals in the wild.
