September 28 is World Rabies Day!

World Rabies Day is September 28. TODAY!

On this day, begin to take the steps to keep yourself and your family free from rabies.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can kill anyone who gets it. Every year, an estimated 40,000 people in the U.S. receive a series of shots known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to potential exposure to rabies. In addition, the U.S. public health cost associated with rabies is approximately $300 million. Each year around the world, rabies results in an estimated 55,000 deaths – approximately one death every 10 minutes. Most deaths are reported from Africa and Asia with almost 50% of the victims being children under the age of 15. (cdc.gov)

Here are some tips to help protect you and your family:

Keep Away From Wildlife and Unfamiliar Animals
More than 90% of all animal rabies cases reported to CDC each year occur in wild animals. The main animals that get rabies include raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Never pick up or touch dead animals. Animals who have died can still give people rabies, especially if they have only been dead for a short time. If you see a dead animal, call animal control to take care of the animal's body.

Take Pets to a Veterinarian for Their Rabies Shot
Make sure to take your pets, such as dogs and cats, to the veterinarian each year. A veterinarian can make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies shot, which can protect them from getting rabies. This is important, since animals that have not received a rabies shot and are exposed to rabies must be quarantined for six months, or put down.

Stay Rabies Free In and Around Your Home
No matter where you live, rabies can threaten your family's health. Fortunately, there are things you can do around the home to help reduce the risk of getting rabies.

• Keep your pets indoors. When a dog goes outside, make sure an adult is there to watch it and keep it safe.
• Do not feed or put water for your pets outside and keep garbage securely covered. These items may attract wild animals or stray animals to your yard.
• Teach children never to handle dead wild animals or unfamiliar domestic animals.

Take these tips to heart to protect yourself, your family and your best friends (your pets) from this deadly disease. If you have more questions, or want to know more here are a few sites to visit.

Infectious Diseases Today
CDC
Passport Health Rabies Info Page

Lets all take a stand against Rabies!