Rabia

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can lead to brain disease and death if untreated. Transmission occurs through bites or scratches from infected animals.

Síntomas

The first symptoms of rabies may be like the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. Usually, severe disease appears within two weeks of the first symptoms, when the rabies virus causes anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations. This includes the “classic” rabies symptoms of being very thirsty but panicked by fluids, having lots of saliva, and aggressive behavior like thrashing and biting.

Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost nearly always fatal. It is critical to seek medical care and/or contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Epidemiologist-on-call immediately upon suspicion of rabies exposure at (405)426-8710.

Risk Factors

In the U.S., rabies is rare in humans, with fewer than 10 deaths reported annually. However, approximately 60,000 Americans undergo post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) each year due to potential exposure. PEP is a treatment that one goes through after having a high-risk exposure to prevent infection and/or illness.

Oklahoma’s primary reservoir is skunks with bats being the most common reservoir in the U.S with bites often going unnoticed. Travelers to areas with high rabies prevalence should be aware of dog-transmitted rabies risks.

Epidemiology & Reporting Protocol

The Tulsa Health Department’s Epidemiology program ensures efficient responses to animal bites and suspected rabies exposures. In collaboration with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), animal control services, and local veterinarians, THD epidemiologists:

Assess rabies exposure risks
Facilitate PEP recommendations with THD clinical staff
Guide healthcare providers and residents in managing exposures

If you experience an animal bite or suspect rabies exposure:

Contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Epidemiologist-on-call at (405)426-8710.
Follow their guidance for risk assessment and next steps.

Preventing and Treating

Key Prevention Tips:

Vaccinate pets and livestock.
Avoid handling wild animals and animals showing abnormal behavior.
When traveling, especially to rural areas, be cautious of bats and avoid sleeping in rooms with bats unless the area is screened or sealed.
Do not attempt to capture wild animals, including bats. Contact wildlife professionals or animal control for assistance.
Report strays or suspicious animals to local animal control.
Educate children about avoiding animal bites.
Prevent bats from entering your living or personal spaces.
Take caution when doing activities which can lead to contact with wildlife, such as: caving, camping and hunting.

If you may have been exposed to rabies, you should urgently seek medical attention. Medical care following a rabies exposure is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP includes wound care, human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of four or five rabies vaccines, which must be given as soon as possible after an exposure. You must get this care to prevent the disease from developing, and it’s nearly 100% effective if you get it promptly after exposure.

Individuals with higher risk of rabies, such as farmers, zoo staff, or veterinarian staff, should receive pre-exposure vaccination. Regardless of rabies vaccination status, it is imperative to immediately clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical care.