Rabies
What is rabies?
Rabies is a virus that infects mammals and is found worldwide. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and results in inflammation of the brain. Early signs include abnormal behavior, such as being out in the daytime when an animal is usually active at night, and an inability to swallow, which leads to foaming at the mouth. Other symptoms are poor balance due to paralysis, weakness, fever, fear of water, and seizures. In humans, early rabies can be mistaken for the flu. Once symptoms are present, the disease is almost always fatal.
Who can get rabies?
Only mammals can get rabies. Some types of mammals, like the Virginia opossum, rarely contract it but are still carriers. In the New River Valley, most rabies cases are either skunks or raccoons, the latter being our local “reservoir species.”
A reservoir species is an animal in which a pathogen lives. Rabies has many different reservoir species around the country, but our neck of the woods only has the raccoon variant.
Rabies incidents in the New River Valley since 2011
If you have been bitten by an animal and suspect that you have been exposed to rabies:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to lessen the chance of infection. Seek appropriate medical attention for wound care.
- Attempt to contain the animal. DO NOT PICK IT UP. Contact law enforcement or animal control to come get it.
- Report your bite to the New River Health District: (540) 585-3300
Rabies in the NRV
Fast Facts: (Data from November 2011-January 2019)
An ‘incident’ is a situation in which a person or other mammal is potentially exposed to rabies.
There have been over 4,000 incidents and under 300 confirmed rabies cases since 2011.
Dogs account for 49% of reported incidents, but account for 0% of confirmed rabies cases.
Cats account for 24% of reported incidents and for 5% of confirmed cases.
The domesticated animal that most commonly tests positive for rabies is the Cow (17%).
Skunks and raccoons together account for 61% of all confirmed rabies cases.
Rabies Prevention
Have your veterinarian vaccinate eligible animals (dogs, cats, ferrets, and certain livestock).
Keep your pets’ vaccinations up-to-date: dogs, cats, and ferrets must receive boosters. After the first year, dogs and cats receive boosters every three years. Ferrets must receive boosters every year.
Don’t allow your pets to roam.
Do not leave garbage or food outside for wild animals or strays to find.
Do not interact with wild animals. If you come across an animal in need, contact Animal Control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What to do if you have been bitten:
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to lessen the chance of infection. Seek appropriate medical attention for wound care.
Attempt to contain the animal. DO NOT PICK IT UP. Contact law enforcement or animal control to come get it.
Report your bite to the New River Health District: (540) 585-3300
For more information, contact Amai Beard at (540) 585-3311 or email katrin.beard@vdh.virginia.gov.
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