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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Rabies?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a very serious viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals. Cats, dogs, raccoons, coyotes and foxes are mammals, as are people. Rabies is caused by a virus and almost always causes death. Rabies is usually a disease of animals, but it can spread from an infected animal to a person.

How is rabies spread?

Rabies spreads when an animal with rabies bites another animal or person. The rabies virus is in the saliva (spit) of infected animals. Infected animals can also spread rabies if their saliva gets into a scratch or other wound, or the eyes, nose or mouth of another person or animal.

Does rabies cause death in people in the U.S.?

Yes, but it is very rare for people to get rabies in the United States. Of the 55,000 people who die of rabies every year around the world, only one or two of those deaths occur in the United States.

Is there something special about bats and skunks?

Yes. Most of the recent human cases of rabies in the US have been caused by bats or skunks. Any possible contact with bats or skunks should be taken seriously. This includes a bite or scratch, waking up with a bat in the room or finding a bat in a room with a young child or mentally impaired person.

Can you tell if an animal is rabid?

You cannot tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. Rabid animals may act strangely after the virus affects their brains, or they may seem just fine. Sometimes, rabid animals may aggressively attack people or other animals. Sometimes, a test is done on an animal’s brain to find out if it had rabies.

How is rabies prevented in people?

After a person is exposed to rabies, they can be given shots (called “immune globulin”) around the bite or scratch to help fight the virus where it entered the body. They will also get 4 or 5 vaccinations (shots) in their arm over several weeks. These shots will also help the person fight the virus. As long as the shots are given before the person starts to get sick, this will prevent them from getting rabies. If a person does not get the shots and then gets sick with rabies, there is no effective treatment. Rabies is almost always fatal.

What should I do if I think I've been exposed to rabies?

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

Wash the wound with soap and water right away for ten minutes.
Call your health care provider or local board of health. They can help you determine if you need to be treated for a rabies exposure.
Your local animal control officer may be able to catch the animal that scratched or bit you. Wild animals should be tested immediately for rabies. Cats, dogs, ferrets and cows can be watched for 10 days. If they stay healthy, they did not expose you to rabies.

What should I do if you I think my pet has been exposed to rabies?

If your pet is bitten or scratched by another animal:

Call your veterinarian to help you determine if the animal needs medical attention.
Your local animal control officer may be able to catch the animal that scratched or bit your pet. Wild animals should be tested immediately for rabies.
In some cases, it may be necessary to confine your animal and watch it to see if it develops signs of rabies. Your local animal inspector can help you determine if this is necessary.

How can I help to prevent rabies?

Teach children to never approach animals they don’t know – even if they appear friendly.
Report any animal that behaves oddly to your local animal control official.
Enjoy wild animals from a distance. Do not keep wild animals as pets. This is against the law in California.
Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be regularly vaccinated against rabies.
Don’t feed or water your pets outside. Even empty bowls will attract wild and stray animals.
Keep your pets in a fenced yard or on a leash and do not let them roam freely.
Keep your garbage securely covered. Open garbage will attract wild or stray animals.
Keep your chimney capped and repair holes in attics, cellars, and porches to help keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor, nurse or clinic, or local board of health (listed in the phone book under local government)
Visit the Sacramento County Department of Health Services or call 916-875-5881.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Endangered Species

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Rabies Section MS G-33

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