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Rabies Program

It is the mission of the Rabies Program to prevent and control the transmission of rabies to residents and visitors of Delaware.

• Office Location
• Contact the Rabies Program
• Animal Bite Report
• Human Exposure to Rabies Report

What is Rabies?

• Rabies disease is caused by a virus infecting the nerve tissue, spinal cord, and brain of a mammal. It causes inflammation of the tissues around the brain and nerves, and the disease is always fatal to its host.

How is Rabies Spread?

• The virus that causes rabies is found in the saliva of infected Delaware wildlife. Rabies virus may be transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, passing this virus through the skin to a new host victim. Rabies virus may also be transmitted if infected saliva touches the lining of the nose, mouth, or eyes. The most common carrier of rabies in Delaware is the raccoon.Only mammals get rabies; birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians do not. Skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats, and some farm animals are most likely to get rabies. Rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice, and pets like gerbils and hamsters seldom get it.

What can I do if I have been exposed?

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Washing thoroughly will greatly lessen the chance of infection. Give first aid as you would for any wound.
• After a bite or scratch from a known or suspect animal occurs, rabies disease is prevented in a human victim by the administration of rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin, as soon as possible after the incident.
• Call the Division of Public Health Rabies Prevention and Control Hotline.
• Contact your doctor or local emergency room as soon as possible.

While the Risk Is Low Be Aware of Rabies

Rabies is a relatively rare disease, but several well-publicized scares—including one at a Virginia summer camp—make this a good time to review the basics.

First and foremost, rabies is very serious and essentially uniformly fatal for humans once the disease takes hold. However, it is very rare, with only one to two cases annually in the U.S. Because there is an effective post-exposure therapy that prevents the disease nearly 100 percent of the time, it behooves us to know when to seek care.

Rabies is caused by a virus, which is transmitted via saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite in the skin. Rarely, it can be transmitted through a mucous membrane such as the eyes, nose or mouth. After infection, the virus travels from peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, brain and spinal cord. Although initially symptoms are very non-specific (fever, headache and malaise) central infection leads to the classic neurological symptoms of rabies, including

• Insomnia, anxiety, agitation
• Confusion, hallucinations, delirium
• Paralysis, seizure
• Increased salivation
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)

Rabies virus is found only in mammals. More than 90 percent of cases in the U.S. are caused in association with exposure to wild animals; fortunately, animal vaccination programs have dramatically decreased the instance of rabies in domestic animals and livestock. Worldwide, however, 90 percent of cases are associated with bites from stray dogs, an important consideration when traveling internationally. Pre-travel immunization is recommended prior to travel in high-risk areas, particularly in the developing world.

Georgetown’s Chief of the Emergency Department Dr. Brendan Furlong explains the basics of rabies precautions.

Determining whether an exposure warrants treatment is the critical first step. One must consider the animal source and the type of exposure. The type of exposure is also important. Rabies is most commonly transmitted by animal bites, but transmission through scratches, wounds and mucous membranes is also possible. Casual contact by itself, such as petting a rabid animal, does not constitute a significant exposure.

Further, the rabies virus needs water to live. When dry, the virus is generally harmless. Dry materials containing the virus (e.g., dried feces) are generally non-infectious. Exposure requires that the virus pass from the infected animal’s saliva, blood or other bodily fluid to your bodily fluid through an open scratch or a mucous membrane such as your eyes, mouth or nose. If you are concerned about an exposure, first clean the site of exposure thoroughly. Then contact your doctor or come to the emergency department for urgent evaluation.

If a doctor recommends treatment, you will likely receive an injection of Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) at the site of the exposure. This shot provides passive protection immediately. You will also receive Human Diploid Cell Vaccine (HDCV) immediately and on subsequent days 3, 7, 14 and 28. Usually in 7-10 days, your body will develop immunity that lasts for approximately 2 years. If you have been previously immunized against rabies, you will likely receive the HDCV booster immediately and again 3 days later.

Avoiding potential exposure is your best protection. Should you be exposed, rapid evaluation and intervention will prevent rabies from developing.

Tips for prevention of rabies:

• Avoid close contact with wild animals, particularly those displaying unusual behavior.
• Immunize domestic pets under the guidance of your veterinarian.
• If traveling in high-risk environments or working in environments with potential exposure, consider pre-vaccination. Internationally the highest risk areas are Africa, Asia and Latin America, where dog vaccination programs have been historically less successful.
• If a potential exposure occurs, seek care immediately.

	Dr. Brendan Furlong
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WASHINGTON - An increasing number of bats found in D.C. homes are testing positive for rabies, and the city health department is urging residents to "bat proof" their homes.