DHSS Press Release

ENJOY WARMER WEATHER WITHOUT RABIES

Warmer temperatures bring more outside activities and greater possibility that Delawareans may encounter wildlife. To prevent rabies, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds the public to avoid wild animals and to have their pet dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies is a fatal disease of the brain and spinal cord, caused by a virus carried by mammals.

DPH has confirmed 27 rabies cases since January 2003. The DPH Laboratory, which tests animal specimens for rabies, confirmed the cases statewide in 21 raccoons, two bats, two foxes, one groundhog and one cat. There have been no human cases.

Rabies is entrenched in Delaware. In 2002, DPH confirmed 55 animal rabies cases, with 21 cases in Sussex County, 22 cases in Kent County and 12 cases in New Castle County. The laboratory performed 773 rabies tests in 2002. In 2001, DPH confirmed 39 cases; in 2000, 61 cases; and in 1999, 58 cases.

Infected animals transmit the rabies virus when they bite or scratch a person or an animal, or if their saliva touches broken skin, open wounds or the lining of the eyes, nose or mouth. In 2002, DPH received 1,800 reports of animal bites. If someone is bitten or severely scratched by an animal, he or she should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, contact his or her physician, and then call the DPH Rabies Office at (302) 744-4545.

Animals with the rabies virus often behave unusually. Wildlife that appears to be friendly, unafraid, or confused may have rabies, although rabid bats may not exhibit any obvious symptoms. Rabid animals may attack people or other animals for no reason. Loss of muscle coordination, excessive salivation, paralysis and other neurological symptoms may appear prior to death by rabies. Delawareans who see animals with rabies symptoms should keep people and animals away from them, then report them to (302) 744-4545.

DPH recommends that Delawareans take these steps to prevent rabies:

• Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed pets indoors, and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and that their shots are up-to-date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid any animal except their own pets.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight latching lids.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.