About Rabies Rabies is a rare disease spread by the spit of a rabid animal. It is caused by a virus. Rabies in humans is usually caused by bites or scratches from wild animals, especially bats. Any animal that bites you, even a pet, which has not had the rabies vaccine (shot), needs to be caught and held by animal control. Rabies can cause severe problems and even death. If you or your child has been exposed to rabies, you will need the rabies vaccine. It consists of a series of 5 shots. One shot is given right away. The rest are given 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after the first one. In addition, the wound must be thoroughly cleaned. Clean first with soap and water, then with an antiviral solution. A human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) is injected around the wound area to provide anti-bodies until the vaccine begins to work. Depending upon the type of animal that bit you, the animal may be held for 10 days and tested for rabies. If the animal is found to not have rabies, it means you were not exposed to the disease. So you will no longer have to continue with the series of vaccine shots.
Š2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.
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