Richmond and Henrico Health Districts share rabies prevention tips

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sharing their rabies prevention tips just in time for the summer months.

According to RHHD, rabies is a deadly disease which is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and lives mainly in the saliva and brain of a rabid animal.

The virus can be transmitted through a bite or by the following -- getting saliva or central nervous system tissue in a wound, or in the mouth and eye area.

The disease mainly kills mammals or humans that fall ill from it. Rabies transmission can happen through direct contact between a human or rabid animal, or between a pet and rabid animal.

According to RHHD, ways to prevent the spread of rabies include:

• Have a licensed veterinarian vaccinate dogs and cats that are 4 months old or older for rabies.
• Keep vaccinations current
• Do not feed stray animals
• Avoid wild animals and pets you are not familiar with including -- racoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
• Ask the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog
• Feed pets indoors & don't let them wonder
• Teach young children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals
• Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids
• Keep wild animals, including bats, out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.

What to do if you, a family member or a pet has been bitten by a wild or unvaccinated animal?

• Call 911
• Wash wound thoroughly with warm soapy water
• If possible without risking further direct contact try to capture the animal under a large box or attempt to identify the animal.
• Contact either local animal control or a local health provider
• For bites to humans -- notify your family doctor immediately and explain how you got the bite.
• Referral to an emergency department for treatment is possible

For more information on how you can protect yourself against rabies, visit here.