Rabies remains one of the world’s most serious health problems, with over 150 countries and territories affected globally. The venereal disease, which causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, can be caused by bites and scratches from a rabid animal. Understanding which animal is prone to being rabid is essential in combating this disease and its adverse effects. Here are the animals that have been reported to be rabid in the U.S.
Raccoons
Raccoons are the most frequently reported rabid animals in the U.S. and are widespread in the mid-Atlantic, Southeastern, and Northeastern states. Raccoons in these areas have been found to have a unique strain of raccoon rabies, while the rabid ones found outside these areas carry non-raccoon variants of the virus.
Skunks
Skunks have three variants of the rabies virus, making them the second most reported cases of rabid animal in America, right after raccoons. The first geographically distinct reservoir of skunk rabies is in California, with the second one populating the regions between Texas and Montana. The last reservoir is in the eastern states, with reports stating that this strain arose after the raccoons affected the skunks with rabies.
Rodents and Small Mammals
Rodents and other small mammals are among the most common creatures worldwide. In the U.S., finding a town or city free of mice, chipmunks, rabbits, squirrels, or hares is difficult. Given how widespread these mammals are, health organizations usually try to test them for rabies to curl the virus before it’s too late. The consensus is that it is uncommon for one to contract rabies after being bitten by a rodent, although there have been cases where a human was infected.
Coyotes
Coyotes in southern Texas have been recorded to have a rabies variant found in domestic dogs. Vaccination efforts along the state’s northern regions are the only thing holding the spread back.
Foxes
Foxes have two variants of the virus, each unique to a different reservoir across the country. The first reservoir centers around the red and arctic foxes in Alaska, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The second variant is particular to the gray foxes, which dwell primarily in Arizona and Texas.
Bats
Rabid bats have been found in 48 states across America. Interestingly enough, only one rabid bat was found in the whole of Alaska. The same case was recorded in Hawaii when a single rabid bat was found in a shipping container in the state.
What Happens When a Rabid Animal Bites You?
When a rabid animal bites you, and rabies takes hold, it is rarely curable. The virus moves to the central nervous system, and progressive and fatal inflammation of the spinal cord and brain begins. If not handled early enough, even surviving the disease will still leave severe neurological deficits.
What To Do When Bitten
So, what do you do when bitten by a rabid animal? The first thing is always to remain calm. The disease usually causes death, yes, but the incubation period can last for two to three months. But that doesn’t mean you should throw all care to the wind and not take any immediate steps to handle the situation.
Once bitten, the best way to prevent the infection from taking hold is a series of shots. But first, wash the wound well with soap and warm water for at least 15 minutes to help keep the virus and any other infections in check. Only seek medical attention afterward.
