| Home |
About |
Clinical Signs |
Treatment and Prevention |
| If you Suspect
Exposure |
Vaccines and Protocols |
Distribution in Western Canada |
References |
What to Do for Suspected Rabies Exposure
What to do if you suspect
rabies: Any evidence of a bite or scratch
combined with a history of potential contact with a reservoir animal
(an animal
that has the ability to contract rabies – see Reservoir Host section)
should be
investigated and treated as a possible rabies case. Even if the
animal appears healthy, and even
if you are not entirely sure of contact with the animal, it is better
to assume
exposure than to assume safety. In
addition, any contact with saliva from an animal suspected of carrying
rabies
should be investigated. This is because
a rabies infection may occur through saliva contacting cuts, wounds, or
mucous
membranes (for example the skin in the mouth, nasal cavity, or eyes)
(12). If the animal suspected of transmitting rabies is not
available, it is common to assume exposure
and begin
post exposure treatment. If the animal
is available, testing may be first performed to confirm the presence of
rabies. By the time clinical signs appear it is almost always too
late to effectively treat the disease, and the only truly definitive
way of
diagnosing the virus is using samples from a dead animal or person
(brain
samples are required) or to wait for the manifestation of clinical
signs. In addition, once signs develop rabies has a
near 100% mortality rate. For this
reason it is important not to hesitate with a suspected
case.
Post exposure vaccination should ideally be
given within two days of exposure. If
you suspect exposure, immediately wash the wound or contact area with
soap and
water (21) and go to the nearest hospital or clinic. If a pet is
exposed, contact your veterinarian. Be sure to carefully explain
your concerns to
your doctor or veterinarian. Please
review the DISTRIBUTION OF RABIES
VIRUS IN WESTERN CANADA
section for a better idea of
prevalence in
your province.
| If you see an animal exhibiting signs that you suspect is rabies, DO NOT attempt to capture or touch the animal. Call your local Animal Control or Wildlife Rehabilitation agency immediately, and be sure to identify your suspicions to them immediately. Warn any nearby people to avoid all contact with the animal. Remember that the animal may suddenly attempt to attack unprovoked. Stay indoors and, if possible, keep all pets indoors or well away from the animal. If a pet is already outside with the animal DO NOT attempt to manually retrieve the pet or put yourself in harm’s way to protect the pet. |
 http://www.niaid.nih.gov/ncn/graphics/clipart/flying_bat.gif |
 |
Who can be affected by rabies?
Carnivores and bats are primarily
affected by rabies (15), but all mammals are believed to be susceptible to infection. See the DISTRIBUTION OF RABIES VIRUS IN WESTERN CANADA section for information on reservoir hosts in your province, but remember that infection is believed to be possible in all mammalian species |
