ANIMAL BITES AND RABIES

Rabies is a serious viral infection of the central nervous system. The virus is usually passed to humans through the bite of a rabid animal. Occasionally, rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).

In West Virginia, most cases of rabies occur in wild animals, such as raccoons and skunks. If you are bitten or scratched by a rabid or possibly rapid animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water and immediately consult a physician and your local health department.

• CDC Rabies Page
• Rabies Vaccine: What You Need to Know

 

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• Rabies Risk Assessment for Human Exposure to Animals
• MMWR, Human Rabies Prevention- United States, 2008
• Vaccination and PEP

 

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• Animal Encounter Report Form
• Human Rabies Report Form
• CDC Case Definition: Human Rabies

 

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• 2018-2022 Interactive Rabies Summary
• Animal Rabies Summary (2023): 08/2023
• ​​Animal Rabies Report: ​2021 | 2020 | 2019​ | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
• ​Animal Rabies Map: 2017 | 2016
• Historical Data of Rabies in West Virginia by County and Species (2000-2014)
• Zoonotic Disease Report

• Rabies Vaccine: What You Need to Know
• Online Training Course
• 2022 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Recommendations
• ​2022 PEP Recommendations​
• Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for PEP to Prevent Human Rabies
• CDC Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women
• National B Virus Resource Center
• Programs for Uninsured and Underinsured Patients
• Oral Rabies Vaccine Project​