For the first time since 2011, rabid raccoons have been found in New York City. Health officials say they've identified four rabid raccoons in and around northern Manhattan's Inwood Hill Park since January, and two others in the Bronx and Staten Island. The New York City Department of Health is advising people to vaccinate their pets and to stay away from raccoons and other wild animals that can carry rabies."Rabies is a serious illness that poses a danger for you and your pets," Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said in a statement. "Keep a close eye on your pets when you take them outside and if you see a wild animal – such as a raccoon – maintain a safe distance and do not approach it. Get your pets vaccinated against rabies, and if you think they've been bitten by a rabid animal, call 311," the city government information line.Rabies infection is rare in the United States, but it does still occur. In New York City, rabid raccoons were not seen for years following an … [Read more...] about Rabid raccoons found in New York City for first time in years
Treatment for rabies exposure
Rabies Alert Issued Again for Kendall After 7th Raccoon Tests Positive
Just over a day after a rabies alert was lifted in Kendall, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade once again issued an alert for the area after it was confirmed a seventh raccoon tested positive for rabies. The rabies alert issued Wednesday will last for 60 days, until Jan. 19, and includes the area from Southwest 152nd Street to the north, Southwest 187th Street to the south, Southwest 117th Avenue to the east and Southwest 137th Avenue to the west. The Department of Health also received confirmation of an otter that tested positive for rabies, bit a human and later died. It's the ninth confirmed rabid animal and the first rabid otter identified in Miami-Dade for 2018. David McDonald, 89, says he was taking trash to his garbage can Tuesday night when he was bitten by the otter. Just over a day after a rabies alert was lifted in Kendall, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade once again issued an alert for the area after it was confirmed a seventh raccoon that … [Read more...] about Rabies Alert Issued Again for Kendall After 7th Raccoon Tests Positive
What are the first symptoms of rabies in humans? Can you be vaccinated, how is it caught and what is the treatment?
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?
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
Uptick in bat activity brings warning of rabies threat
Bat activity has increased in recent weeks and the Erie County Department of Health reminds people to avoid any physical contact with bats, as they may carry the rabies virus. Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system in humans and other mammals. A person may contract it from an infected animal bite, scratch, or saliva exposure. Rabies-infected wildlife, such as bats and raccoons, carry rabies and transmit infection, without necessarily a bite. “Even a minor scratch or simply touching an infected animal may be enough to transmit the rabies virus from animal to human,” Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said in a news release. “Bat bites may not be noticed because bat teeth are very tiny and razor sharp and may be no larger than a needle prick. Any direct contact with a bat or other potentially rabies infected wildlife should be considered a possible rabies exposure. ... Since rabies is nearly always fatal, it is important to take aggressive … [Read more...] about Uptick in bat activity brings warning of rabies threat