Thursday, June 13, 2019

Rabies: A Forgotten Killer | VitalSigns | CDC

Rabies: A Forgotten Killer | VitalSigns | CDC

A brown bat baring its teeth



Avoid Wildlife. Vaccinate Pets. Stay Informed.



Rabies is a virus that infects wildlife, especially bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes in the US. It can spread to people and pets when they are bitten or scratched, causing fever, agitation and death. Rabies is 100% preventable with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that includes rabies vaccine and medications to fight infection, as long as people get PEP before symptoms start. Understanding the risk and knowing what to do after contact with wildlife can save lives.



Key Points:
  • Every 10 minutes, someone in the US is treated for possible exposure to rabies.
  • About 5,000 animals — mostly wildlife — test positive for rabies each year in the US.
  • 7 out of 10 Americans who die from rabies in the US were infected by bats.


Video: June 2019 Rabies: A Forgotten Killer


#Rabies is found in wildlife in every US state but Hawaii. It is nearly always fatal once symptoms start, but it’s also preventable. Learn more about the risk and what to do after contact with wildlife in new #VitalSigns report. http://bit.ly/VSrabies

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