Avoid Wildlife to Prevent Rabies

FAIRFAX, Va. (July 28, 2013) – Rabies is making headlines this summer. Cases have been spiking in certain areas of the country, and a recent news story about donated organs being possibly infected with rabies has some people concerned about its spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is most commonly transmitted through a bite and the infected animal’s saliva. All mammals are susceptible to rabies, but certain animals such as foxes, raccoons and bats can harbor the disease for weeks without showing signs of illness. However, it is most common for humans to be infected through contact with rabid dogs.

The CDC recommends preventative measures such as getting household pets vaccinated regularly for rabies and having wildlife control remove stray animals from your neighborhood.