Rabies

Call 911 if:
The person is seriously injured in an animal attack.

1. Stop Bleeding

• Apply sustained pressure for several minutes.

2. Clean Wound

• Wash with clean water and gentle soap for 15 minutes.

3. Gather Information About Animal

• Notify the local health department or animal control about the animal's possible whereabouts.
• If the animal is a pet, get owner's contact information.

4. See a Health Care Provider Immediately

• Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
• If possible, bring information about the animal.
• If the person was in an enclosed area with a bat, see a health care provider whether or not there is a bite wound. The person may have been bitten and not know it.

5. Follow Up

• If there is any risk of rabies infection, the health care provider will recommend anti-rabies treatment. This may include a series of shots.
• The person may require a tetanus shot, depending on the date of the last shot.

SOURCES:
CDC: "Rabies: What Care Will I Receive?"
CDC: "Rabies Exposure: When Should I Seek Medical Attention?" "Learn About Bats and Rabies," and "What Type of Exposure Occurred?"
World Health Organization: "Rabies."
FamilyDoctor.org: "First Aid: Cuts, Scrapes and Stitches."
KidsHealth: "Animal Bites."