Rabies Prevention in Humans

Rabies is a deadly virus carried in the saliva of an infected animal, usually passed on through a bite. The disease is commonly fatal, so it is important to be familiar with safety measures for rabies prevention in humans.

Risks

• People who are in continual contact with potentially rabid animals should take the pre-exposure rabies vaccination. These people include animal control officers or wildlife workers frequently exposed to animals that can spread the rabies virus.

Identification

• Identifying a rabid animal is an important first step of rabies prevention. According to MayoClinic.com, signs of a rabid animal include profuse salivation, random biting, swallowing difficulties, vocalization change and paralysis.

Prevention

• To reduce the risk of contracting rabies, keep pets vaccinated and supervise pets while outside. Report stray animals, do not approach wild animals and keep bats out of the home. If traveling to a country where rabies is common, consider getting a rabies vaccine beforehand.

Treatment

• According to MayoClinic.com, if bitten by an animal that may have rabies, cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact a doctor immediately. Treatment begins with a fast-acting rabies shot given near the site of the bite, and a series of six injections in the arm over 28 days will follow.