Rabies can kill, stay informed

  • Published
  • 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Rabies is a virus normally spread by the bite of an infected (rabid) animal. The virus is almost always fatal without proper post-exposure treatment.

In the United Kingdom, the risk for rabies is very low. The U.K. eliminated rabies from its terrestrial animal population early in the 20th century.

It maintains this by requiring immunization in vulnerable animals coming into the country and applying quarantine laws to unimmunized animals. Rabies is still common in more than 150 countries, in stray dogs, cats and other wild animals.

Airmen can protect themselves and their family by reducing exposure to rabies and seeking care if exposed.

Reducing exposure to rabies:
· Vaccinate pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) on a regular basis. To schedule appointments call RAF Feltwell Veterinary Clinic at DSN 226-7097, or 01638 527097.
· Avoid contact with stray and unfamiliar animals.
· Avoid and report dogs and cats that appear unusually hostile, confused or timid.
· Do not handle wild animals, especially bats.
· Minimize situations that attract wild and stray animals, such as leaving the lids off outside trash cans open, and leaving pet food out.
· During daylight hours, be particularly careful of wild animals that are not normally out during the day, such as skunks, bats and coyotes.

Reducing the risk of rabies during and after deployments:
· Avoid contact with stray and unfamiliar animals.
· Never adopt stray animals as mascots.
· Immediately report all bites and scratches to a supervisor, and seek care from a healthcare provider.

Who to call for a stray animal on base or in base housing:
Contact the 100th Security Forces Squadron at DSN 238-2667, or at 01638 542667; or Yvonne Chadwick, Animal Welfare Officer, at DSN 226-3897, or 01638 527097.

What are the symptoms of rabies in humans?
Early symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat and drowsiness. Advanced symptoms include pain and tingling at the place where bitten, hallucinations, a fear of water because of sudden tightening of the muscles in the throat, being paralyzed and paralysis.

When should someone seek treatment?
Seek medical care right away if bitten by an animal that could have rabies. In people, it can take several months to show signs of rabies. By the time symptoms begin to show, the disease is almost always fatal. If relocating or returning from a deployment before finishing post-exposure treatment, make sure to notify a provider at the new location.

For additional information including prevention tips, contact the public health flight at DSN 226-8777 or 01638 528777, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.