Knowing What is Rabies

What is rabies? Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and to humans and animals is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Less commonly, rabies can be transmitted by saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with broken skin or eyes, nose or mouth of a person or animal.

Once displayed the outward signs of the disease, rabies is almost always fatal. Some mammals who regularly take part in rabies are skunks, raccoons, bats, foxes, groundhogs, dogs and cats.

Chenango Department of Public Health plans after treatment for exposure to residents of Chenango County (doctor's orders) for those exposed to animals tested positive for rabies, or risk exposure County.

What causes rabies?

Rabies is caused by rabies virus. The virus infects the brain and eventually leads to death. After being bitten by a rabid animal, the virus is deposited in the muscles and subcutaneous tissue. During most of the incubation period (usually one to three months), the virus remains near the venue. The virus is then moved through the peripheral nerves and brain from there, back through peripheral nerves, for almost all body parts.

All mammals can carry rabies. In the United States, rabies is most often transmitted through the saliva of bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks and. In the developing world, stray dogs are the animals most likely to carry rabies. The virus was also found in cows, cats, ferrets and horses.

The local health department will generally have information on which animals found in the region infected with rabies virus.

What are the risk factors for rabies?

Any activity that leads someone to contact potential rabid animals, such as traveling in an area where rabies is more common (Africa and South Asia) and outdoor activities near bats and other potentially rabid animals, all increase the risk of being infected with rabies.