Massachusetts at risk for rabies

  • Published
  • By 66th Medical Squadron Public Health Office
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Massachusetts is at risk for rabies year round. Rabies is a fairly common viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including humans, and is spread by an animal bite or scratch.

When left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why it is important to tell a doctor as soon as possible if bitten or scratched by an animal.

Since visible signs of rabies are not always present, people may be unaware that an animal is carrying the disease.

According to the William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute, Middlesex County has had the highest number of animals submitted for testing this year, followed by Norfolk, Worcester and Essex counties.

Hanscom is in Middlesex County, where 5.9 percent of animals tested were positive for rabies. Animals that are capable of carrying rabies include, but are not limited to, raccoons, skunks, cats, foxes, woodchucks, bats and bobcats.

If bitten or scratched by an animal that is suspected to have rabies, wash the wound with soap and water right away for 10 minutes, call a doctor or go to the nearest emergency room, and then report the incident to the Hanscom Public Health Office at 781-225-6226.

Bats should be treated as rabid since they have small teeth, so it could be difficult to tell if you've been bitten.

It's important to note that reptiles, including snakes, as well as amphibians, birds, insects and fish do not carry rabies and therefore cannot transmit the disease.

The best way to prevent rabies is to stay away from unfamiliar animals - they could have rabies. In addition, don't keep wild animals as pets, make sure domestic pets stay current on all vaccines, prevent attracting wild animals by feeding domestic pets inside and ensure garbage containers have tight-fitting lids.

Some rabid animals can exhibit unusual behavior when infected and should immediately be reported to the local animal control officer. Unusual behavior includes: increased saliva or drooling, difficulty moving or moving slowly, acting aggressively or trying to bite everything.

For further information on rabies, contact the Public Health office at 781-225-6226 or the Veterinary Clinic at 781-225-2772.

Additional information can be found on www.mass.gov and www.cdc.gov.