Rabies Talking Points

General rabies information Rabies is caused by a virus that animals and people can get through certain exposures to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal. It is nearly always fatal without proper post-exposure prophylaxis [treatment] (PEP). Rabies is zoonotic, which means it can spread from animals to people. Rabies is 100% preventable. In most cases, preventing rabies is as simple as ensuring adequate animal vaccination and control, avoiding contact with wild animals, and educating those at risk. Rabies Statistics Best estimates are that 55,000 people die every year of rabies. Thats one person every 10 minutes. At least half of the people who die from rabies are children under the age of 15. Innocent of the risks, they often play with animals they dont know. And, their small size makes them more vulnerable to bites to the head and neck that can lead to a more rapid onset of symptoms. In 95% of human rabies cases, the cause was a bite or scratch from an infected dog. Overwhelmingly, rabies afflicts the worlds poorest communities. Insert statistics here about rabies in your area. Rabies prevention starts with animal owners All mammals that have frequent contact with humans should be vaccinated, particularly dogs, cats, and ferrets. Consider vaccinating valuable livestock and horses. Vaccinations need to be kept up to date. Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free. Spaying or neutering your animal may reduce a tendency to roam or fight and thus reduce the chance that they will be exposed to rabies. Reduce the risk of exposure to rabies from wildlife Dont feed or water your pets outside. Even empty bowls will attract wild and stray animals. Do keep your garbage securely covered. Open garbage will attract wild or stray animals. Dont keep wild animals as pets. Do teach children not to approach or handle unfamiliar animals even if they appear friendly. What to do if someone is bitten Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. In rabies endemic areas the victim needs PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) a course of vaccinations and immunoglobulin. In non-rabies endemic areas, your physician will assess the need for PEP. Applying an antiseptic may stop secondary infections (but this will not stop rabies from developing). Where possible and being careful not to be bitten or scratched, keep the animal securely to stop it from interacting with anyone else or other animals. Watch for signs of illness for 10 days. What to do if your pet is bitten by an unvaccinated animal Where possible, consult your veterinarian immediately. Your animal may need booster vaccinations. Watch your pet for signs of illness or unusual behavior for at least 45 days

Rabies Talking Points

Bats and Rabies Bat bites are very small and in certain circumstances people cannot tell you (or are unaware) that they have been bitten. These include if a sleeping person wakes up to find a bat in the room if you find a bat in a room with an unattended child if you see a bat near a person with disabilities Where possible, safely capture the bat for rabies testing. If the bat tests positive for rabies, or is cannot be tested, seek medical advice regarding the need for post exposure prophylaxis. Post exposure prophylaxis (treatment): Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated for persons possibly exposed to a rabid animal (or human). Possible exposures include animal bites or mucous membrane contamination with infectious tissue or fluids such as saliva. Blood, feces and urine do not carry the virus and are not infectious. {For more information on types of exposures, see http://rabiesalliance.org/rabies/what-is-rabies-and-frequently-askedquestions/exposure-prevention-treatment/ } PEP should begin as soon as possible after an exposure. Pre exposure vaccination series: Pre exposure vaccination should be offered to persons in high-risk groups, such as veterinarians and animal handlers that work in rabies endemic areas, and certain laboratory workers. Pre exposure vaccination also should be considered for other persons whose activities bring them into frequent contact with rabies virus or potentially rabid bats, raccoons, skunks, cats, dogs, or other species at risk for having rabies. The pre exposure series consists of three doses of rabies vaccine administered on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28. People who have had a pre-exposure vaccine still need to seek post-exposure treatment, if they are exposed to the virus. The pre-exposure dosage reduces the post-exposure treatment. Useful Websites: CDC Rabies Website: www.cdc.gov/rabies WHO Rabies Website: http://www.who.int/rabies/en/ [Insert appropriate local website here.] Media Contacts Spokespeople from the Global Alliance for Rabies Control are available for comment. Please contact media@rabiesalliance.org [Insert other appropriate media contacts in your region here.]