Rabies update—rare but present in Ohio

  • Shelly Webb
  • July 1, 2011
  • 283
                        
SUMMARY— Many people get the chance to camp, spend time outdoors and enjoy nature during the summer. But whether you’re hunting, fishing or just camping remember this, not all wildlife is healthy, Rabies is still ever present in Ohio. STORY— Last year the Ohio Department of Health Laboratories tested 3,641 animals for rabies. Of that number forty-seven animals tested positive for the disease including 41 bats, 3 skunks, 2 raccoons and 1 cow. It was also documented that 54 people were bitten or otherwise potentially exposed to the forty-one bats that tested positive for rabies and 50 of those individuals started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). In addition, 15 of the rabid bats exposed 18 dogs and 16 cats, which then had to be quarantined and followed up. Rabies is not a disease of the past and the distribution of rabid bats in Ohio is very sporadic with 26 counties reporting at least one rabid bat in 2010. Statistics like these show the real danger and potential threat that rabies can cause. According to Holmes County Health Commissioner, Dr. D.J. McFadden both Wayne and Holmes Counties have had animals test positive for rabies. “In both Holmes and Wayne Counties, bats have been identified that have tested positive for rabies,” he explained. “While it is true that raccoons and other animals have not tested positive in Holmes County, rabies does exist in Lake and Mahoning Counties, only a few counties away. Because the disease is not that far away hunters, campers and outdoorsmen should protect themselves.” It is difficult at times to know whether or not an animal may be infected with rabies, but there are some signs that animals may present if they are infected. “Any animal behaving unusually should be treated with great caution,” McFadden said. “Animals with rabies my display aggression and attack anything that moves, including inanimate objects. Infected animals may show no fear of humans and they may be unsteady, uncoordinated with stumbling, falling, or wandering present. They may have paralysis, especially of the throat, leading to drooling or frothing at the mouth. Also nocturnal animals that usually are only out at night may come out during the day.” Coming in contact with an animal that may be infected with rabies is dangerous and individuals need to avoid the animal and contact the Department of Natural Resources or the local dog warden. McFadden said that if the animal dies, the health department should be called so the head of the animal can be submitted for rabies testing. “If the animal attacks, and you must kill it, try to avoid destroying the brain” he added. Also take care to avoid all body fluids of the animal as well, especially saliva. Rabies can spread through the saliva and other fluids or even a scratch wound from an infected animal. “If a person comes in contact with the saliva or brain tissue of a rabid animal, they may become infected with rabies,” McFadden said. “If one believes they have become exposed to rabies, they should immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, they should make an effort to capture or kill the animal for testing, and they should contact their medical provider immediately as the treatment should begin as soon as possible. Having a trained individual capture the animal if possible is the safest course of action.” Despite the deadly consequences that rabies poses to most third world countries the United States has very rare instances of rabies in humans, perhaps one or two cases per year and those are normally treated. However India sees 20,000 deaths per year from rabies and Africa experiences 24,000 per year. Dogs are the main culprits of rabies in those countries. “It would be rare that an individual would die from rabies in the United States,” McFadden said. “That said, the threat is real, the disease exists in our nation and in our state. The CDC shares this account to emphasize that the threat is real. "In February 1995, the aunt of a 4-year-old girl was awakened by the sounds of a bat in the room where the child was sleeping. The child did not wake up until the bat was captured, killed, and discarded. The girl reported no bite, and no evidence of a bite wound was found when she was examined. One month later the child became sick and died of rabies. The dead bat was recovered from the yard and tested—it had rabies. " If a bat has come in contact with a human, it should definitely be tested for rabies. Bats are big carriers of the disease and have infected horses, cows and other animals. Make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine too; it’s quick and easy and will give them the protection they need. If you spend lots of time outdoors enjoying the glorious summers and springs or if you enjoy hunting in the fall and winter, be aware of the potential threat rabies may pose to many counties in our state and stay alert.


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