Rabies Risk after an Animal Bite to a Human
What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease, caused by the rabies virus, that almost always results in death. It may take several weeks, or even a few months, for people to show symptoms after becoming infected.
How is rabies spread?
The virus is most commonly spread when an animal with rabies bites another animal or human. The virus is most often transmitted from the saliva of an infected animal that enters an open wound such as a bite or an open cut on the skin. or a mucous membrane such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.
How do I know if an animal has rabies?
You cannot tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. The only way to tell for sure is to euthanize and test the animal for the virus. Some animals may act more aggressively, and some may seem unusually tame. They may also have trouble walking or seem paralyzed.
Can I be tested to see if I was exposed to rabies?
There is no test to determine if a person has been exposed to rabies. An animal can be tested to determine if it has rabies although this requires euthanizing the animal and is only done if needed.
Is there a treatment available to prevent rabies in humans?
Yes, after receiving an animal bite, a vaccine can be administered to prevent rabies; this is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). To work, PEP must be started before the onset of symptoms. Rabies PEP consists of a series of 4 doses of vaccine and 1 dose of immune globulin (IG). The vaccines are given in your arm, like a flu or tetanus vaccine.
How do I get PEP?
Rabies IG is available locally only in the Emergency Room. If you feel you would like to start PEP, it is advised that you contact the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE). Someone from the WCDPHE will ensure the proper vaccine schedule is followed and answer any questions concerning rabies that you may have.
Rabies Risk After a Domestic Animal (dog, cat, ferret) Bite
- In general, a bite from a healthy dog, cat, or ferret is low risk for rabies.
- It is best to observe the biting animal for 10 days after the bite. If the animal is healthy 10 days later, there is no risk of rabies for the person bitten.
- Contact your local animal control to report the bite and ensure that the biting animal is observed for 10 days.
- A bite from a domestic animal that occurs in another country, or another area of the US may be considered higher risk. Consult with your medical provider or health department staff at (970) 400-2290.
Rabies Risk After a Wild Animal Bite
- In Colorado, we see rabies primarily in bats and skunks. A bite from a bat or skunk is of high urgency. Contact health department staff at (970) 400-2290 or call your local animal control to see if the biting animal can be tested for rabies. There is no safe observation period for a wild animal that bites a human.
- Rabies can sometimes spread to other wild animals from a bat or a skunk. If you are bitten by a wild animal, it’s important to consult with your medical provider or health department staff at (970) 400-2290 to determine rabies risk.
- Rabies risk after a bite from a rodent (such as a mouse) is generally low.
For questions about rabies risk, animal bites, or initiating post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), please contact us at (970) 400-2290.