Rabies cases are rising in the United States with life-threatening consequences for people who don’t receive timely treatment.
Los Angeles just reported its first case in a raccoon in over 50 years this week. National parks have warned about swooping rabid bats and rabid beavers attacked in Maryland over the summer.
Cases jumped 17 percent nationwide this summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month.
The viral infection affects the central nervous system, leading to flu-like illness, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety and hallucinations. Infections can be fatal if people don't receive medical care before symptoms start, according to the CDC.
People can protect themselves by taking precautions and knowing about sources of exposure.
Animal advice
Animals are the most common way that rabies spreads but there have been reports of rarer methods of transmission, including during organ transplants.
The best way to avoid rabies is to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, health officials say. That means never approaching any animals that appear to be injured, sick or even dead. Infections can occur weeks or months following a bite or scratch.
If you come across an animal that you suspect may have rabies, you should contact your local animal control department.
A dead animal can still spread the virus through contact with saliva or wounds, according to health officials.
Pets should also be kept away from wild animals as much as possible. Owners need to ensure their pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccines, too. There are approved vaccines for dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, sheep and cattle. Some of these shots are covered by pet insurance plans, Progressive notes.
People who work with or around animals, including veterinarians and lab wildlife rehabilitators, may be advised to receive a pre-exposure rabies vaccine, as well. These are rarely covered by health insurance plans and may cost up to $280 to $360 per dose, according to Purdue University.
What to do if you’re exposed to rabies
If you believe you have been exposed to rabies through a bite or a scratch, wash the wounds with soap and water for 15 minutes to help flush out the virus. Then seek immediate medical attention.
You should tell a healthcare professional about if you work around animals, the type of animal you encountered and if there were signs the animal was not acting normally.
If the animal is a pet, ask the owner for proof that the animal is up to date on their rabies vaccination.
And if you’re unsure if you had any direct contact with a rabid animal but still think you have been exposed, consult your local health department.
Medical care after a rabies exposure includes wound care, a medication that provides protective immune antibodies and a series of four or five vaccines. But vaccinations after being exposed to rabies can be expensive, costing thousands of dollars for people without health insurance.
That’s why knowing when people need the shots is crucial. Some 100,000 Americans are vaccinated against rabies following a potential rabies exposure every year. Federal data shows there are typically around 4,000 cases of the virus each year, with fewer than 10 deaths.
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