RABIES is a rare but serious infection of the brain and nerves, and is often caught from a bite or scratch by an infected animal. Here’s the lowdown on this deadly illness. What is rabies? Rabies is a serious infection of the brain and nervous system. It is caught when a human is bitten or scratched by an infected animal – often a dog. The infection is rife worldwide, predominantly found in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. In the UK, it is not found anywhere except in a small number of wild bats. Once symptoms develop, the illness is almost always fatal. However, treatment before symptoms develop can be effective. There are vaccines available for those who are considered at risk of contracting it. How do you catch rabies? All mammals (including monkeys) can carry rabies, but it's most common in: dogs bats raccoons foxes jackals cats mongooses They can spread the infection if they bite or scratch you. In rare cases, you can also catch it an infected animal … [Read more...] about What are the first symptoms of rabies in humans? Can you be vaccinated, how is it caught and what is the treatment?
Treatment for rabies exposure
Utah resident dies of rabies, likely from a bat, for first time since 1944
A Utah resident has died from rabies, and health officials believe exposure to a bat was the source of infection. This is the first person in Utah to die from rabies since 1944, according to the state's health department. The person's name and other details were not released. Rabies is a viral disease in mammals that infects the central nervous system. If left untreated, it attacks the brain and ultimately causes death. The incidence of rabies has dramatically dropped in the United States over the past 100 years, but the threat still exists. In fact, earlier this year, a 6-year-old Florida boy died from rabies after being scratched by infected bat. The boy's father washed the wound thoroughly but didn't take the boy to the hospital because he cried when he was told he would get shots, according to local reports. The child developed symptoms a week later and soon died. A couple of months later, a coyote that tested positive for rabies bit 8 people in suburban Westchester, … [Read more...] about Utah resident dies of rabies, likely from a bat, for first time since 1944
Third Rabid Raccoon Found; Miami-Dade Rabies Alert Extended
Health officials have extended a rabies alert in the same area of Kendall in southwest Miami-Dade County after a third raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County on Saturday said it is extending by 60 days the rabies alert affecting the section of west Kendall from SW 152nd Street to 187th Street north and south, as well as 117th Avenue to 137th Avenue to the east and west. Officials first announced the alert on May 18 after a rabid raccoon was found in the area but they did not release the exact location where the second animal was found. "This is the third confirmed rabid animal this year in the county and third rabid raccoon identified in Miami-Dade," the agency said in a statement, adding that it is "working with Miami-Dade Animal Services to identify any individuals who might have been exposed to the animal." The alert comes after a raccoon was discovered this week in the area carrying the disease. (Published Friday, May 18, 2018) … [Read more...] about Third Rabid Raccoon Found; Miami-Dade Rabies Alert Extended
Rabies Alert Extended for SW Miami-Dade Neighborhood After Second Raccoon Found With Disease
A rabies alert for one section of Southwest Miami-Dade County has been extended after a second raccoon tested positive for the disease. The Florida Department of Health received confirmation of the finding on Wednesday, extending the previous alert another 60 days for the section of West Kendall from SW 152nd Street to 187th Street north and south as well as 117th Avenue to 137th Avenue to the east and west. Officials announced the first alert on May 18th after a raccoon was found in the area, but did not release the exact location where the second animal was found. Rabies is a nervous system disease and can be fatal in humans and warm blooded animals – with the only treatment for human exposure being a specific immunization. North Miami Couple Arrested in $280K Home Depot Fraud Scheme DOH officials advise all residents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and keep them under supervision while outside and to avoid wild animals, including raccoons, bats, … [Read more...] about Rabies Alert Extended for SW Miami-Dade Neighborhood After Second Raccoon Found With Disease
Summer is peak rabies season. Here’s what you need to know
The word is enough to strike fear in the heart of any animal lover. Rabies, though rare, leads to a horrible death if left untreated. The incidence of rabies has dramatically dropped in the United States over the past 100 years, but the threat still exists here at home as well as for those who travel abroad. In fact, earlier this year, a 6-year-old Florida boy died from rabies after being scratched by infected bat. The boy's father washed the wound thoroughly but didn't take the boy to the hospital because he cried when he was told he would get shots, according to reports. The child developed symptoms a week later and soon died. In March, a coyote that tested positive for rabies bit 8 people in suburban Westchester, New York, before being shot and killed by police. Everyone who had been exposed in this case received preventive treatment and there were no fatalities. Several state health departments warn that summer is peak season for rabies, as warm weather and outdoor … [Read more...] about Summer is peak rabies season. Here’s what you need to know