Special to Iredell Free News
Local healthcare providers are stressing the importance of being careful around animals to avoid exposure to rabies, a serious disease. Recent events show why it’s crucial to be aware and take action.
Rachael Cope, a communicable disease nurse for the Iredell County Health Department, shared stories of people exposed to rabies because they didn’t handle animals safely. In one instance, a person touched an injured raccoon and let it go before experts could help. There are also cases involving individuals who were bitten by feral cats or handled dead animals that had rabies.
“We have a problem with feral cat colonies in the county. Some people were bitten, but the cats couldn’t be caught, resulting in painful and expensive post-exposure vaccinations for the people bitten,” Cope explained. “Years ago, kids played with a dead coyote that had rabies. It could have been dangerous.”
These stories remind us to be cautious, especially when it’s warmer outside, because that’s when rabies cases go up.
“It’s better to prevent a problem than deal with it later,” said Cope.
Everyone should be careful around animals and contact Iredell County Animal Services and Control, (704) 878-5424 or (704) 878-5335 if they see anything strange. Also, don’t forget to vaccinate your pets against rabies. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, see a doctor immediately.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Symptoms may initially resemble the flu, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. However, as the disease progresses, more severe symptoms develop, such as:
♦ Anxiety;
♦ Confusion or hallucinations;
♦ Insomnia;
♦ Paralysis;
♦ Hydrophobia (fear of water); and
♦ Difficulty swallowing
Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. Therefore, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are critical following any animal bite or scratch, particularly if the animal shows signs of rabies or if its rabies vaccination status is unknown.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for Rabies Exposure
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a series of rabies vaccinations, and, in some cases, rabies immune globulin administered after potential exposure to prevent the onset of rabies.
Iredell County Animal Services offers Low-Cost Rabies Vaccines
To help protect your pets and the community from rabies, Iredell County Animal Services provides low cost rabies vaccination clinics. No appointment is necessary, and only 1-year vaccinations are administered. On the seond Tuesday of each month, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Animal Shelter, rabies vaccinations are available for $5 each. Only cash is accepted.
“We always see more rabies cases in warmer months, and it’s been increasing lately,” Cope warned.
That’s why it’s important to be careful and take steps to stay safe. By spreading the word and making smart choices, we can stop rabies from spreading and keep both people and animals safe in our community.
To report animals with potential rabies, contact Iredell County Animal Control at 704-878-5335.