Prevention

(www.sonoma-county.org/health/topics/rabies.asp)

In order to stop the spread of rabies in humans it is important to vaccinate pets. Pets should be seen by a veterinarian yearly to provide routine vaccinations and wellness exams. It is important to keep a close eye on your pet when they are outside so they do not encounter any unwanted visitors. To help prevent stray animals and the transmission of rabies, spaying and neutering pets is essential. The more controlled the pet population is, the less chance that rabies will be spread to other animals or humans.

Rabies is a preventable disease, but over 55,000 people die each year from the virus. Unfortunately, most of these deaths occur in Africa or Asia because of the lack of medical availability. The most common form of transmission to humans is through rabid stray dogs. Many groups such as the Global Alliance for Rabies Control have supported the World Rabies Day initiative, to help raise awareness of rabies and provide support for vaccinations. (Rabies - CDC)

People with a high risk of exposure to rabies should be offered pre-exposure vaccination. These groups may include: veterinarians, animal handlers, and certain laboratory workers. Even with the pre-exposure vaccination, people exposed to a rabid animal bite should contact health professionals immediately, because they will still require a post exposure prophylaxis (Rabies - CDC).