Rabies Virus

1. Rabies Virus

2. Acknowledgements • This presentation was developed by the Iowa Department of Public Health in partnership with the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. • This presentation was developed for public health, environmental health, veterinary and healthcare partners to use when they are educating clients and their communities. • This presentation was last updated January 2011

3. Discussion Topics • Rabies activity in the United States • Rabies activity in Iowa • Recommended actions if you or your animals are exposed to potentially rabid animals • Review of rabies treatment protocol for humans exposed to potentially rabid animals • Animal rabies testing resources in Iowa

4. Rabies in the United States • In 2009: • 6,690 tested positive for rabies • Distribution of Disease: • 92% in wild animals • 8% in domestic animals

5. Rabies in the United States • Lyssavirus • Primary reservoirs are wild animals Recognized Reservoirs for Rabies in Terrestrial Mammals Rabid Bats Reported in the United States during 2009

6. Human Rabies in the United States • Human rabies infection is uncommon • 4 human rabies cases reported in 2009 • Potential rabies exposures are common • About 40,000 human exposures / year

7. Animal Reservoirs in Iowa Primary reservoirs include: ~Skunks and Bats However, many different types of animals are found to be infected with rabies each year in our state.

8. Confirmed Rabid Animals in Iowa(Years 2001 to 2010)

10. Percent of Animals Testing Positive for Rabies by Animal Type (2010)

11. Human Rabies in Iowa • Most Recent • 2002 • Most likely exposed to an infected bat • Previous Case • 1951 • Most likely exposed to an infected dog

12. How do I know if I have been exposed to rabies? The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva or nervous system tissue. • What is considered an exposure? • Bite from a potentially infected animal • Saliva or nervous tissue contact to open wounds • Saliva or nervous tissue contact to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) • What is not considered exposure? • Saliva or nervous tissue contact to INTACT SKIN • Contact with blood, urine, or feces • Touching or petting an animal

13. Bat-specific exposure criteria • Exposure criteria for bats include all those listed on the previous slide and the following: • Waking up to find a bat in the room you are sleeping in • Finding a bat in a room with an unsupervised child • Finding a bat in a room with incapacitated person • Contact with a bat and unsure whether you were bitten (i.e. bat flies into your arm) • Exposure criteria is not based upon finding a potential wound

14. If you are exposed to a potentially rabid animal • Immediately wash any wounds and then seek medical care • Depending upon the situation, it may be appropriate to observe or test the animal that exposed you • Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care

15. Some animals can be quarantined • If a dog, cat, or ferret exposes a human it can be quarantined for 10 days • If the animal becomes sick during the 10 day quarantine, it should be tested for rabies immediately • Dogs, cats, and ferrets are the only animals that can be quarantined

16. Rabies Prevention Before and After Exposures • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis • Series of three vaccines given before exposure • If exposed, still need two booster shots of vaccine • Recommended for those frequently exposed such as veterinarians, animal control officers, and lab workers • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis • Treatment given after rabies exposure • Usually includes 1 dose of Immunoglobulin and 4 doses of vaccine given over 2 weeks

17. What should I do if my animal is exposed to a potentially rabid animal? Contact your veterinarian • Recommendations differ based on the types of animals involved and whether your animal has been vaccinated for rabies • Your veterinarian can assess the vaccination status of your animal and make the appropriate recommendations • Your veterinarian can also help determine whether it is appropriate to observe or test the animal that exposed your animal

18. Animal Rabies Testing • State Hygienic Laboratory, Iowa City • 800-421-4692 • Available for after-hours or emergency testing • Only test animals that have exposed humans • Testing is Free • Iowa State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Ames • 515-294-1950 • Human and animal-to-animal exposures • Fees for testing

19. How can I help prevent rabies spread and being exposed? Vaccinate pets and valuable livestock Iowa Law: • …unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, six months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies… • …All dogs four months of age and older coming into Iowa must have a current rabies vaccination…

20. How can I help prevent rabies spread and being exposed? Enjoy and observe wildlife from afar • Do not handle wild animals. • Avoid sick animals or those that act strangely. • Do not touch or handle dead animals. • Cover garbage cans and keep pet food indoors, so wild animals are not attracted. • Do not keep wild animals as pets, which is often illegal as well as dangerous.

21. How can I help prevent rabies spread and being exposed? Contact a healthcare provider before traveling internationally • Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk travelers to some countries where rabies is common. • Discuss health risks in the countries you will visit.

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