The saliva of an infected animal is the most common way that rabies is spread. Any bite by a wild, stray, or feral animal should get immediate medical attention. Assume that an animal carries rabies unless someone can present you with documentation that the animal has been vaccinated. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Never dismiss a small scratch as a risk. Even small scratches pose the risk of rabies infection. Scratches inflicted by feral or stray cats and dogs may spread rabies. The most common way for scratches to transmit rabies is when an infected animal’s saliva is involved. [2] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Fresh wounds and wounds that have not scabbed over are very susceptible to rabies infection. Any wound or injury that is bleeding and comes in contact with the saliva of an infected animal offers a risk of rabies infection. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Bats Raccoons Skunks Woodchucks Foxes Wolves. [4] X Research source
Weakness Fever Headache General discomfort. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Itching may begin to occur within several days after initial infection. Itching may or may not be accompanied by redness or other signs of a bacterial infection. The wound might also have a tingling sensation. Have a medical professional evaluate any animal-inflicted wound that looks or feels strange. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Delirium Abnormal behavior Hallucinations Insomnia Confusion Anxiety and agitation. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Determine what type of animal is responsible. If possible, find out if a dog is stray or belongs to someone. Figure out if the animal was provoked, teased, or scared before biting. Find out the animal’s vaccination status. Describe whether the animal was sick, injured, or appeared in good health. [8] X Research source
Cleanse the wound with soap and water. Irrigate the wound with a solution to kill any virus or bacteria present. Apply topical antibiotic ointment.
Vaccination needs to be done immediately. Vaccination is perhaps the only way to prevent death of an infected person. Vaccination should only be done if you have not previously been exposed or vaccinated. The rabies vaccine will be administered in the deltoid muscle of your upper arm. Children may receive theirs in the thigh. You may need to visit a hospital or contact county or state health authorities if your doctor does not have the vaccine on hand. [10] X Research source
Animal control may attempt to capture or euthanize the animal. In many cases, animal control will turn over the animal to a pathologist who will conduct an examination on the deceased animal’s brain tissue. This is the only way to confirm rabies infection. You may also consider contacting your local, state, or county health department to inform them of the attack. [11] X Research source
