Release: Rabies Cases on the Rise

This is a Press Release from the East Shore District Health Department                                                                                     

The East Shore District Health Department wants to advise the public of additional wild animal cases of rabies being identified in the health district that covers Branford, North Branford, and East Haven. All area residents should take precautions.

In Connecticut, rabies is most commonly carried by skunks, raccoons and bats, although any mammal could carry the rabies virus. The Health Department wants to remind residents to protect their pets and themselves from contact with these wild animals.

Rabies is spread through the saliva. Saliva of an infected animal must enter a cut, deep scratch or mucous membrane for infection to occur.  Bites are the most common mode of rabies infection. 

Rabies is a fatal disease that can be devastating for a family if a family member or an unvaccinated pet is infected. Rabies can be prevented in people with  post-exposure treatment  consisting of one dose of immune globulin and 4 injections of rabies vaccine over a 21-28 day period. Unvaccinated pets or pets that are not current with their vaccinations are not so lucky; they are subject to 6 months of isolation or euthanasia, should rabies symptoms appear.

Please take the following precautions to protect you, your family and your pets:

• Make sure pets receive regular booster rabies vaccinations to keep their protection continuous.  Keep proper documentation of vaccination. 

• Do not leave out food for animals: wild, stray or pet.

• Report strange behavior in animals to your local animal control officer. Symptoms of rabies include daytime activity in nocturnal animals such as bats, raccoons, and skunks. Other signs are aggression, awkward movements, or simply that an animal appears “sick.” 

• Stop pets from coming into contact with these wild animals when possible.  If a pet does have an encounter with a wild animal, the owner should contact their veterinarian immediately. 

• Do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a wild animal. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and protective clothing when trying to gain control and clean up your pet after a fight. 

• If you are bit, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.  It is extremely important to seek immediate medical attention if exposed to rabies. If not treated, rabies is almost always fatal.

• All incidents involving a person bit by any animal should be reported to your town’s animal control officer and the Health Department. The Health Department will work with your physician and advise on the need for rabies shots.  If the animal can be caught, the town animal control officer will assist in capturing the animal and having it tested for rabies. Testing a suspect animal for rabies is the best approach, if possible.

For more information call East Shore District Health Department is 203-481-4233 or find information at our website: www.ESDHD.org.