Rabies

World Rabies Day

 

New Rabies information brochure from CDPH
  

 

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is usually passed to humans via the bite of a rabid animal. Occasionally rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose). In California, most cases of rabies occur in skunks and bats. Domestic animals account for three percent of animal rabies, and the rest occurs in a variety of wild animals, including foxes. If you are bitten or scratched by a rabid or possibly rabid animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water and immediately consult a physician or your local health department. The physician will decide if the series of rabies vaccinations is necessary. If so, the vaccination series should be started as soon as possible.

Letter to Providers about Rabies from Tulare County Health Officer
 
Tulare County Multijurisdictional Animal Bite Report Form

 

Click on the table below to see the full document as a PDF