What should you know about which virus causes rabies?

The virus is usually introduced through a bite or scratch from an infected mammal. It may also enter through saliva touching broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or nose. It does not spread through ordinary casual contact such as being near an animal. Once symptoms begin, rabies is a medical emergency, which is why exposure decisions should be made before symptoms appear.

Wash the wound or exposed skin thoroughly with soap and running water. Avoid applying substances that can irritate tissue, and do not delay medical assessment while waiting to see whether the animal becomes unwell. Give the clinician details about the animal, the contact, the wound, and any previous rabies vaccination. The health team can assess whether post-exposure treatment is needed.

Seek urgent care after a mammal bite or scratch, or after saliva reaches broken skin or a mucous membrane. Assessment is especially urgent for contact involving the head, neck, face, hands, a child, or an animal that cannot be found. Emergency services are needed for severe bleeding, major tissue injury, fainting, or trouble breathing.

Ask whether the contact could transmit rabies, whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis, and whether wound or tetanus treatment is required. Ask how to document the animal and which local service should be informed if the animal is loose, sick, or unavailable.