Rabies Awareness

Click HERE for the Low-Cost Rabies Immunization Clinic Schedule.

Report all animal bites to the Franklin County Board of Health at 462-3160.

Click HERE Ohio Positive Rabies Cases by County.

Click HERE for Ohio Rabies Summary

Rabies is a virus that attacks the nerves and brain tissue of most animals. When an animal is sick with rabies, the virus is shed in the saliva. It is then spread to other animals or people when the virus-laden saliva gets into a wound or mucous membrane. This is usually through a bite, most rabies are found in wildlife, such as skunks, bats, and raccoons.  Pets get rabies from wildlife. Dogs and cats pose the greatest risk in spreading the disease from wildlife to people.  Birds and reptiles do not carry rabies.

• show strange behavior - they can be aggressive and attack for no reason, but they can also act very tame (especially wild animals);
  
• stagger, fall over, or become paralyzed;
  
• have wounds from fighting with other animals (often on the face and front legs)
  
• Not be able to eat, drink, or swallow and sometimes they may drool (because they can't swallow their saliva)

• Follow your veterinarian's recommendation to vaccinate your pets regularly - this protects your pet, you and your family.  All dogs, cats and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated in Franklin County.
  
• Avoid animals that are acting in an unusual manner. A skunk or raccoon that acts friendly or is seen during daylight hours is unusual - avoid it.
  
• Unprovoked attacks are frequently clear evidence of rabies.  Seek expert treatment immediately.
  
• Teach your children to stay away from animals and unknown cats and dogs. Make sure they tell you immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
  
• Obey animal control ordinances.  Vaccination requirements and leash laws protect everyone.
  
• Avoid touching dead animals.  If you must, be sure to wear gloves.
  
• In the event of a bite or other potential exposure, seek expert treatment and advice from your physician or health department.
  
• Be aware that safe and effective vaccinations are available for humans exposed to rabies, call your doctor.
  
• Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs or cats that appear sick with signs of rabies.
  
• Tightly cap garbage cans.  Do not attract wild and stray animals to your home or yard.
  
• Feed pets indoors and never leave them outdoors unattended.

What to do if you are exposed to rabies:

Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water, then call your doctor.

The doctor may ask you a few questions:

1. Was the bite from an animal species that is susceptible to rabies? Wild animal bites, especially from skunks, bats, or raccoons should always be suspect.
2. If a domestic animal was involved, was it acting strangely?
3. Was the animal vaccinated against rabies?
4. If the exposure was from a lick, was it near an open scratch, wound, mucous membrane such as the mouth, nose or eyes?
5. Is rabies present in your area?
6. Capture the animal if possible, be careful avoid further risk during capture.

If you see a wild animal, especially a raccoon, bat, skunk, or fox:

• Stay away and keep your children away.
  
• Keep pets indoors.
  
• Let the animal go away on its own.
  
• You are able to call a nuisance trapper who will remove the animal for a fee.

Click here to go to the Community Environmental Health Services Section.