Indianapolis - October 24, 2006
State health
officials announced the first human case of rabies in Indiana since 1959.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central
nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of mammals. It is almost always fatal.
How is Rabies Transmitted?
Rabies is usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid
animal. The virus multiplies at the site of the bite and after a few days moves
up the nerves to the brain. After reaching the brain, the rabies virus moves to
the salivary gland. The presence of rabies virus in saliva enables the virus to
infect another animal or person. Rabies virus usually produces behavioral
changes in animals that make them more disposed to bite. This facilitates
transmission to another animal. Rabies can also be transmitted when infected
saliva comes in contact with an open wound, the eye, or the mouth. There have
been occasional transmissions between humans through cornea or organ
transplants. A scratch from a rabid animal could transmit the disease because
there might be virus on its nails. Petting a rabid animal has never been shown
to transmit rabies to humans.
Click on the CDC link below for more information on bats & rabies:
Bats & Rabies - CDC
Information
For More Information Contact:
Union County Health Department
6 West South Street - Suite 2, Liberty, IN 47353
Tel: 765-458-5393
FAX: 765-458-5582
Internet: support@uchd.com
Union County Health Department
