Rabies
Page last updated 11/22/2024.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal.
In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. In California, rabies is mostly found in bats and skunks. Rabies in pet dogs and cats is possible, but less common because many pet animals are vaccinated against rabies. All dogs in California are required to be vaccinated against rabies.
See below, or click the following links, to learn more about:
Rabies is a virus usually spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Although rare, people can also get rabies if the saliva or brain/nervous system tissue of a rabid animal gets into a fresh scratch or break in your skin, or is into to your mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth, or nose).
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive prompt and appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, and before symptoms start, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.
Take the following steps if you have a bite or scratch from an animal that can spread rabies, or have had direct contact with a bat:
- Wash the wound and/or area thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Then, consult your healthcare provider as soon as
possible. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need
post-exposure treatment, possibly in consultation with the local
health department. If treatment is needed, this should begin as soon
as possible.
Bats test positive for rabies more frequently than any other animal in San Diego County. Any direct, skin-to-bat contact should be reported to and discussed with a healthcare provider, in consultation with the local health department (Epidemiology Unit).
- Bites and scratches from bats are extremely small and may not be noticeable.
- Sleeping in the same room as a bat also
presents a potential risk.
- Bites or scratches from wild, carnivorous mammals (e.g., skunks, raccoons, coyotes, or foxes) are considered high-risk exposures. Low-risk exposures include bites or scratches from small rodents (e.g., mice, rats, squirrels, gophers, chipmunks, etc.) or lagomorphs (e.g., rabbits).
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Rabies
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Algorithm: This
algorithm helps healthcare providers and animal health professionals
determine a person’s risk of getting rabies after a potential
exposure.
- The decision to administer PEP is a joint decision between the patient and their healthcare provider.
Local
- Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Algorithm
- Hospital Bite Report Form (County of San Diego, Department of Animal Services)
- Rabies Testing Information (County of San Diego, Public Health Laboratory)
- Report a Dog Bite Online (San Diego Humane Society)
- Wild Bat Found in Oceanside Parking Lot Tests Positive for Rabies (County News Center)
State
- Rabies (California Department of Public Health)
Federal
For more information, contact the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499 or send us an e-mail.
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