alucard,
Welcome to
HealingWell.
Thanks to
widespread pet vaccinations, effective post-exposure treatment, and the
relative rarity of undetected bites by rabid animals, the number of human
deaths in the United States caused by rabies has declined to an average of only
one or two per year--far less than the number of human fatalities caused by
lightning strikes and bad hamburgers. This doesn't mean you shouldn’t take
precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. The best ways to
guard against rabies:
- Don’t approach or handle wild
animals, especially sick wild animals
- Vaccinate your pets
- Get prompt post-exposure
treatment when advised to do so by a doctor or health department.
- Given all the media attention
that rabies regularly receives, it may be somewhat surprising to learn
that very few people die from rabies nationwide each year. Over the past
10 years, rabies has killed only a total of 28 people in the U. S. This
amounts to fewer than 3 fatalities a year nationwide.
- Despite the long odds of
contracting rabies, the remote possibility of infection exists and should
not be taken lightly.
- Sometimes the news media seems
to go over board in cautioning people re these rare diseases but I think
education is a good thing and following these guidelines would be wise for
everyone:
- Don’t approach or handle wild
animals.
Vaccinate
your pets—cats and dogs both—and any free-roaming cats under your care.
If you see a
wild animal who may be sick, contact your local animal control, veterinarian,
or wildlife rehabilitator
for help. Don’t handle sick wildlife!
If anyone is
bitten by any wild animal, get medical advice from a doctor or health
department immediately.
If your pet
is bitten by any wild animal, get medical advice from your veterinarian
immediately.
Anxiety is
not our friend yet a little bit is a good thing. I hope all the info here
has reassured you but remember you can always call your clinic to see if you
should be seen by a medical Dr.
SC, your story must have been horrifying
for you to go through at the time and yes, our mind always assumes the worst
and you did the right things so you are my hero and thank you for sharing this
story.
alucard2122 be
well and keep on talking with us.
Kindly,
Kitt