Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system. The rabies virus is transmitted from infected mammals to humans (typically via bite) and is invariably fatal once symptoms appear. Human rabies is now rare in the United States and most cases in Wisconsin acquired the disease from infected bats.
We work with police departments in the North Shore to promptly investigate animal bites for potential rabies exposure. The Health Department is responsible for ensuring that the biting animal is appropriately and legally observed and tested for rabies.
If you are bitten by any animal:
Immediately clean the animal bite or scratch wounds with a good amount of soap and water for 10-15 minutes
If the bite was by a species of concern (dog, cat, bat, raccoon, fox, skunk, horse, opossum, woodchuck, cattle, ferret, coyote, fox etc.) notify police or your local health department
Do not release or destroy a biting animal until a public health official or animal control officer is consulted
Notify your primary care provider if a bite occurs
If there has been any possibility of physical contact with a bat, even without an known bite, the animal should be safely captured and held until a public health official or physician can be consulted
How to Prevent Rabies Exposure:
Stay away from stray dogs and cats
Vaccinate pets against rabies
Stay away from all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally
Teach children to not approach unfamiliar animals
Do not keep exotic or wild animals as pets regardless of how young or cute they are
Keep screens to doors and windows in good repair and close any small openings to home to keep bats out
Talk to doctor about a pre-exposure rabies vaccine if you plan to travel to a country where rabies exposure is common