Rabies FAQ

What is rabies?

Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system. it is transmitted from animal to animal and from animal to human. if left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal.

What are rabies symptoms?

Without immediate medical attention, rabies symptoms usually appear within 20 to 60 days. The symptoms include loss of consciousness, fever, headache, anxiety, insomnia, and hyper salivation (foaming at the mouth). Once a person begins experiencing these symptoms, death usually follows.

What animals are most often infected with rabies in the US?

Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats are among the wildlife most infected. However, animals may vary according to region; contact your state health department for information in your area. Statistics from the Tennessee Department of Health

What domestic animals are most often infected in the US?

In the US, cats are infected more often than dogs, even though dogs are the greatest carriers around the world.

Where in the US is rabies found?

Rabies cases in animals have been reported in 49 states. Only Hawaii is rabies free.

What types of exposure are considered risks for rabies?

Bites, scratches, and contact with saliva are considered ways to become infected with rabies. There are also non-bite exposures, such as when people are exposed to the airborne rabies virus in laboratories and bat-infested caves.

What should be done if someone has been bitten by a rabid animal, or an animal that might be infected?

Immediately wash the wound area thoroughly with soap and water. Then seek medical attention immediately, which should include the beginning of rabies-prevention treatment if the animal can't be quarantined properly as well as a tetanus shot if the patient's boosters are not up-to-date.

Why is it so important to get medial treatment immediately after exposure?

After someone is infected with rabies, symptoms usually develop within 20-60 days. Once symptoms begin, death usually follows. Therefore, rabies immunization must begin as soon as possible if the animal can't be contained for the appropriate quarantine period in order to prevent the appearance of symptoms.

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