DHSS Press Release |
Date: July 18, 2008 DHSS-70-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
PREVENT RABIES IN DELAWARE
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents to take precautions against rabies by avoiding wild animals and ensuring their pets are up-to-date with rabies shots. Warm summer temperatures lead to more outdoor activities increasing possible exposure to rabies through contact with animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin.
Since January 2008, DPH has performed rabies tests on 112 animals that potentially exposed a human and nine of these animals have tested positive. DPH only tests animals for rabies when there is potential human exposure. This means there may be many more infected wild animals than suggested by these numbers.
Rabies cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore if a person is potentially exposed by an animal that tests positive for rabies, they will have to receive rabies shots (post exposure prophylaxis) to prevent them from developing the disease.
Signs of rabies in animals include daytime activity in normally nocturnal animals, wild animals approaching humans or other animals, and difficulty walking or moving. Some rabid animals may be very aggressive (furious rabies) while others may be very weak and have excessive salivation (dumb rabies). Keep people and pets away from animals with any unusual behavior. Report stray dogs and cats to 1-888-3KCSPCA (1-888-352-7722)
Take the following steps to avoid rabies:
- Never feed stray animals.
- Never handle wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, or foxes. This includes sick, injured or dead animals.
- If you wake up in a room with a bat present, seek medical attention regardless of the evidence of a bite or a scratch and call the rabies program at 302-744-4545. If possible, trap the bat for testing. Do not release the bat.
- If bitten by an animal, wash the site thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Call the rabies program at 302-744-4545.
- Teach children never to approach or handle unfamiliar domestic or wild animals, even if they appear friendly.
- Keep pet vaccinations up-to-date. Delaware law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies.
- Keep cats and ferrets indoors and dogs on a leash under direct supervision. Homeless pets are vulnerable to rabies. Help reduce unwanted animals by spaying and neutering pets. Prevent bats and raccoons from entering homes or by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight latching lids.
Please call the rabies program at 302-744-4545 if you need additional information.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
