As summer begins in the Piedmont Triad, officials warn that it is rabies season in North Carolina. Two people recently encountered a rabid fox in Winston-Salem, prompting the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to advise the public on how to handle such situations. The most common carriers of the disease in NC are raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. So far this year, there have been 43 positive cases in the Piedmont Triad, with Guilford and Randolph counties reporting the most cases.
If you encounter a potentially rabid animal, keep your distance and call the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Symptoms of rabies in animals include erratic behavior, aggression, and excessive drooling. It is vital to ensure that pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. In the case of a wild animal bite, contact a veterinarian immediately.
In the event of potential rabies exposure, humans should seek treatment, which involves a series of five shots over two weeks. The first shot includes immunoglobulin to combat infection, followed by a vaccine and three additional shots to strengthen the body’s response to the virus. These shots can be obtained through emergency rooms or Urgent Care facilities. Stay cautious this summer and be on the lookout for any signs of rabies in animals to protect yourself and your pets.
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Photo credit myfox8.com