During Rabies Awareness Month, the Westchester County Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves, their family and their pets from the disease, which is fatal if left untreated. Warmer weather means more time spent outdoors and increased chances for close encounters with animals that can carry the deadly virus and transmit it through a bite or scratch.
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, M.D., said: “The best way to avoid rabies is to steer clear of wild animals and strays, bat-proof your home. and keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Discourage wild animals from visiting your yard by securely covering trash cans and keeping pet food and water indoors. Do not approach or handle animals that you don’t know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, contact the Health Department as soon as possible to be evaluated for preventive rabies treatment.”
Last year the County Health Department tested 327 animals that may have had contact with people or pets. Just 16 were confirmed to be rabid, including eight raccoons, six bats, one bear and a beaver. Nearly 200 people were referred for post-exposure rabies treatment.
Amler added: “It isn’t only wild animals that can be a concern. If you, your child or your pet are bitten or scratched by someone else’s pet, get the name and address of the owner so that the biting pet’s rabies vaccine records can be verified. That way, the bite victim may be able to avoid a series of rabies shots if the pet is up to date on its rabies vaccines.”
For more, visit www.westchestergov.com/health or call 914-813-5000.
