What should you know about rabies as a communicable disease?

Transmission requires a meaningful exposure, such as a bite, scratch, or saliva contact with broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or nose. Being in the same room as an animal, touching its fur, or seeing it at a distance does not by itself constitute this type of exposure. The source is usually an infected mammal, and local animal patterns affect how clinicians assess risk.

Keep away from unfamiliar, wild, sick, or unusually aggressive animals, and teach children not to approach or handle them. Keep pets’ rabies vaccinations current according to veterinary advice. After a possible exposure, wash the area with soap and running water and seek urgent medical assessment. Do not wait for symptoms or try to manage a suspect animal yourself.

Contact urgent medical care after any mammal bite or scratch, or when saliva reaches a wound or mucous membrane. Seek immediate help for a deep wound, an injury to the face or neck, a child’s exposure, or an animal that cannot be located. Emergency services are appropriate when bleeding is severe, tissue is badly damaged, or you feel faint or short of breath.

Ask whether your contact is considered a rabies exposure, whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed, and whether tetanus or wound treatment should be added. Describe the animal, the route of contact, the body area, and the time since exposure as clearly as possible.