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Rabies is a deadly viral disease that is fatal in humans unless the victim
receives prompt medical attention. Fortunately this disease has become fairly
rare in the U.S. (36 cases since 1980). The reasons for this decline are the wide
spread publicity this disease has received and the effective measures taken to
The rabies virus is transmitted from the saliva of infected animals. This happens
most often from a bite although it can also occur from a scratch. Very rarely it
is transmitted from saliva contact with broken skin or mucous membranes or from
inhalation of aerosolized bat feces. About 40,000 people receive post-exposure
treatment each year after contact with known or possibly rabid animals.
Although the rabies virus can infect just about any mammal, it is most frequently
found in raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes, and occasionally in cattle
and unvaccinated cats and dogs. In 1996, 7,124 cases of rabies in animals were
reported in the U.S. including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Raccoons
were the most frequently reported rabid wildlife species (50.4% of all animal
cases during 1996), followed by skunks (23.2%), bats (10.4%), foxes (5.8%), and
other wild animals, including rodents and lagomorphs (2.1%). See figures below
for distribution of rabies in most important animal reservoirs.
We tend to think of skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, dogs and cats as being the
major source of human rabies in the U.S. However, since 1980, 22/36 cases were
caused by insectiverous bats. The most recent case was in Virginia, December,
1998. In over half the cases, the victim wasn't aware of having contact with a
bat. In less than half the cases, the victim recalled seeing a bat, but wasn't
aware of being bitten or scratched. (Insectiverous bats have small, needle-like
teeth and claws. Consequently, bites and scratches easily go undetected.)
The bat implicated in most of these human cases is the widely distributed
silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Bats most frequently found
infected with rabies virus include the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) in the
northeast, Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) in the southwest and
the red bat (Lasiurus borealis) in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
How can rabies be prevented?
- Vaccinate pet dogs, cats and ferrets.
- Prevent or minimize contact between pets and wild animals.
- Pre-exposure vaccination if your work involves handling wild animals.
If bitten or scratched:
- Immediately, cleanse the wound thoroughly to flush out
- Capture the animal if you can do so safely to have it tested for rabies by
your local health department. Try not to damage the head since the brain has to
be tested for the presence of the rabies virus. Never handle the animal with
your bare hands. Wear thick leather gloves or use tongs or some other device to
pick it up. Place the animal in a cardboard box, coffee can or some other
- If you can't safely capture the animal contact your animal control office for
assistance. Write down your observations about the animal including species,
location, how contact with the animal occurred and any unusual behavior
exhibited by the animal.
- See a doctor immediately for follow-up and possible post-exposure treatment.
- Call your local animal control office to pick up dead, sick, and strange
acting animals. Remember most wild animals normally will not approach humans
and most are not active during the day.
- Teach children not to handle stray animals even if they appear friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering buildings where they might come into contact
people and pets. Bats can enter openings as small as 1/4 by 1/2 inch.
If you have any questions, please contact your nearest Regional Point of Contact,
park sanitarian or call WASO Public Health for more information.
1. Health Information, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.
2. Hunt, H.A. and Bhatnagar, K.P., "Human rabies and silver-haired bats in the United States", Bat research News, 38:4, pps. 85-88.
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