Rabies Prevention

Abstract

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals. The virus enters the central nervous system and causes encephalomyelitis, which is almost always fatal. Human cases of rabies are rare in the United States (average of two cases per year); however, international travelers to areas where canine rabies is still endemic have a greatly increased risk of exposure. Rabies among wildlife (raccoons, skunks, and bats) has been increasing in prevelance since the 1950s, accounting for 85% of all reported cases of animal rabies. Rabies among the wildlife occurs throughout the continental United States; Hawaii remains rabies free. Since 1980, 58% of the 36 human cases of rabies in the United States have been associated with bats. In most other countries, dogs remain the most common source of rabies transmission to humans.