Rabies

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected mammals.  Rabies is transmitted to pets and humans by bites that break the skin, or possibly by contamination of an open cut with saliva.  Rabies is a fatal disease and should be taken seriously.  Anyone who is bit or otherwise subjected to animal saliva through an open wound should immediately contact a physician.  In Wisconsin, skunks and bats are the most likely animals to carry the rabies virus, although rabies also has occurred with some regularity in dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons and livestock.

How does the Sauk County Environmental Health team help?

We work in collaboration with local veterinarians, law enforcement, Animal Control, health care providers, the State Lab of Hygiene, the victim of an animal bite, and animal owner to ensure completion of post-exposure follow-up. A follow-up includes observation or testing of the animal, as well as a check in with the victim after lab analysis completion.  In a vast majority of cases, observations or testing of the animal will determine the possibility of rabies.

Steps to take after an animal bite or saliva exposure

1. Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least five minutes.
2. Contact a physician immediately, even for minor wounds.
3. Immediately confine the animal and contact your veterinarian or local law enforcement.
4. If the bite is from a wild or stray animal, DO NOT try and capture the animal unless you are sure you can do so without incurring injury.
5. DO NOT destroy the animal which has bitten a human or other animal. Contact local law enforcement or the public health department.
6. If an animal suspected of having rabies cannot be observed or tested, or if it tests positive for rabies, treatment of the individual with rabies immune globulin and the vaccine series must begin immediately.