People may not know about rabies.

• Once the leading cause of human rabies deaths in the US, dogs are no longer as much of a risk, thanks to the use of rabies vaccines. Dogs are only 1% of rabid animals reported each year.
• People might worry about rabies in animals that don’t often carry the virus, like opossums or squirrels. But these animals hardly ever have rabies.
• People may not recognize a scratch or bite from a bat, which can be smaller than the top of a pencil eraser. But these types of contact can still spread rabies!
• It’s not only in the woods – rabid animals can be found in people’s yards and homes too!

Everyone Can:

• Leave all wildlife alone.
• Wash animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
• If you are bitten, scratched or unsure, talk to a healthcare provider about whether you need PEP.
• Vaccinate your pets to protect them and your family.
• If you find injured wildlife, don’t touch it; contact local authorities for assistance.

Healthcare Providers Can:

• Contact local/state health departments for help with risk assessments and PEP recommendations.
• Ask patients if they had recent animal bites or scratches.

International Travelers Can:

• Get health recommendations for your destination: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
• Know if rabies is present in dogs or wildlife where you are going.
• While abroad, avoid contact with all animals.
• Seek medical care ASAP if you are bitten or scratched.