Rabies Cases Prompt Nationwide Health Advisory: What PA Residents Should Know

Reports of people exposed to rabid or possibly rabid animals are rising across the country, and health officials say it's important that Pennsylvania residents know what to do after a bite or scratch to prevent a nearly always fatal disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a Sept. 10 health advisory that it received 17 percent more rabies-related inquiries in July and August compared with the same time last year. At least eight state health departments also reported increased use of preventive treatment, errors in administering it, or both.

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The agency did not name the eight states.

Pennsylvania has seen several high profile cases of rabies in recent months.

In August in Montgomery County, an aggressive coyote tested positive for rabies after attacking a dog and acting aggressive toward humans. A raccoon attacked a Chester County resident in June. And a rabid cat bit a person and a dog in Westmoreland County in July.

Knowing what to do is vital as reports of rabid or potentially rabid animals increase across the country, according to the CDC. Incidents have involved multiple people and animals that are both commonly and less commonly associated with rabies.

Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptoms begin. It is preventable, however, when treatment is given promptly and correctly after an exposure.

Here's an overview of what Pennsylvania residents should know.

Which Animals Pose A Risk?

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. An infected animal can spread it through bites, scratches or saliva that enters an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth.

Wildlife that commonly carry rabies in the United States include bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can become infected. Nearly 300 people were exposed to goats with rabies at a petting zoo in North Carolina earlier this summer.

A person generally cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it.

How to react

Anyone bitten or scratched by wildlife or an animal acting strangely should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, or water alone, for 15 minutes.

The CDC recommends promptly contacting a medical provider or public health official for an assessment. The type of animal, its behavior, whether it can be tested or observed, and the nature of the contact all help determine whether treatment is needed.

People should not try to capture a potentially rabid animal unless they can do so safely. Local animal control or health officials can assist.

What's The Treatment?

Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, treatment includes rabies vaccines and immune globulin for unvaccinated individuals. Though rabies treatments are not in short supply, improper administration leads to side effects, wasted resources, and steep costs averaging $11,000 to $14,000 per patient.

Around 100,000 Americans receive PEP annually. Common errors include incorrect injection sites, improper schedules, inadequate wound care, and unnecessary immunoglobulin administration. Pharmacy records through Sept. 2 show a 33 percent increase in rabies vaccine usage and a 76 percent surge in immune globulin usage compared to last year.

How To Reduce Risk

The same human rabies vaccine can be given before exposure, but it is generally recommended only for people at higher risk, such as veterinarians, animal-control workers, rabies laboratory workers and some travelers.

This pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for treatment after a possible exposure. A previously vaccinated person still needs two follow-up vaccine doses but generally does not need rabies immune globulin.

The CDC recommends keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations and away from wildlife whenever possible.

Anyone whose pet comes into contact with wildlife or a sick animal should contact a veterinarian and local public health or animal control officials for guidance.