How can I protect myself from being exposed to rabies?

Wild animals, particularly raccoons, foxes, skunks, groundhogs and bats, are most likely to be infected with rabies. Although raccoons are the most frequently infected animals in the current rabies outbreak, other animals are often bitten and infected by raccoons. Wild animals with rabies do not always display signs of illness and can be perfectly healthy in appearance. Avoid all contact with bats, particularly sick or downed ones. All bites and scratches from these animals should be washed out immediately and receive prompt medical attention. If possible, wild animals that have been exposed to humans or domestic animals should be captured and tested for rabies.

Show All Answers

1. What is the history of rabies in New Jersey?
2. How did the outbreak of rabies in raccoons get started in this part of the country?
3. What areas of New Jersey are affected the most?
4. How can I protect myself from being exposed to rabies?
5. How do I "animal-proof" my house and yard?
6. Do I still need to vaccinate my cats and dogs against rabies?
7. Why recommend that domestic animals get vaccinated if raccoons are the animals spreading rabies?
8. Can raccoons be vaccinated against rabies?
9. What should I do if I'm bitten or attacked by an animal?
10. Why does my dog or cat need to be observed if it bites someone?
11. If my ferret bites someone can my ferret be observed for 10 days?
12. Can I get rabies from a squirrel or a mouse?
13. Why do animals need to be killed in order to be tested for rabies?
14. How do people get rabies?
15. What are the symptoms of rabies in humans?
16. Is there a treatment for rabies?
17. What is the protocol for rabies post-exposure treatment?
18. What are the chances that I will get rabies if I am exposed to a rabid animal and don't get the rabies treatment?
19. How can rabies be prevented?