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Rabies in Raccoons & Saliva

Rabies is an infection that is contracted from exposure to an infected animal. It has long been widely feared because it affects the central nervous system and can be fatal. Rabies infections have been reported in every area of the world. While a vaccination was created and the virus has been under control since the 1950s, new cases within the United States do occasionally arise.

  1. Transmission

    • The virus can be transmitted a few different ways, but comes from an animal carrier. Canines are not a concern in the U.S., as they were prior to the development of the vaccination. Most infections come from bats and raccoons. It is spread through the saliva and glandular secretions of the animal. The risk of contracting the disease from an animal bite, scratch or lick at an open-wound site is variable. It depends on the severity and size of the bite or contact. Non-bite exposures such as respiratory infections from bats are becoming a concern in the United States.

    Animal Symptoms

    • Any animal can get rabies, but it is uncommon in certain species, such as small rodents. When an animal is infected, it may show signs of dementia, viciousness and sickness. There is a chance also that the animal could appear overly friendly, as if drugged or sluggish. For instance, if you see a raccoon coming toward you in the middle of the daytime (they are normally nocturnal), be very careful.

    Human Symptoms

    • Incubation time varies once a human has been in contact with the virus. It could be anywhere from seven days to over a year. This is why it is hard to figure out where the contact with rabies first occurred. Initial symptoms in humans might include itching or pain at the site of the bite, chills, fatigue or tingling. Eventually, the infected person will become very sick. Fever, confusion and seizures will develop, as well as spasms of the breathing muscles when exposed to water.

    Treatment

    • Rabies is fatal when left untreated. Any possibility of exposure to an infected animal should be reported to your doctor immediately. If you have been vaccinated previously, inform your doctor. If there is a serious wound or bite, go to the hospital emergency room. It is not necessary to bring the animal with you, as the hospital cannot diagnose it.

    Conclusion

    • Even though rabies is very rare in the United States today, there are still many reported and possibly unreported cases throughout the world. No matter where you are, be wary of wild animals that act strangely.

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