Diseases

 Rabies

Last Updated: August 19, 2024
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​Rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted to humans if bitten by an infected animal or if the saliva of an infected animal contacts broken skin, eyes or mouth. You cannot always tell if an animal has rabies. ​

The virus affects the central nervous system leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start. However, rabies can be effectively prevented after a bite occurs with a series of injections (called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP) which is available at medical treatment facilities in theater and in the U.S.) if they are given as soon as possible after the bite, before symptoms develop. 

Though rabies continues to be a disease of concern in Africa, Asia, and specific areas of Central and South America (dogs being a major source), the CDC indicatesExternal Link it is less common in the U.S. largely due to pet rabies vaccine requirements. In the U.S., more than 90% of reported cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife. Contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies deaths in the U.S., followed by raccoons, skunks and foxes. ​

A case of rabies in a Service member in 2012 who had been exposed while deployed in the Middle East resulted in highlighted the military need to remind personnel of the heightened risk of rabies when deployed especially in certain developing countries. 

​Soldier with two puppiesHo​w to Prevent Rabies​

  • Do not keep mascots or pets when deployed! 
  • Do not approach, feed, or handle animals. 
  • If you are bitten or if an animal's saliva contacts your broken skin, eyes or mouth, immediately wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention right away –​ rabies is preventable if exposed individuals receive prompt medical care after being exposed. 
  • Report animal exposures immediately. 
  • Capturing animals is best performed by qualified, vaccinated, pest control personnel. Failure to follow proper procedures can result in greater exposure to rabies and other diseases. 

Medical Treatment 

  • It is important to have a medical evaluation for all animal exposures regardless of how the animal was behaving. Animals can be infected with rabies while still appearing healthy. Treatments for rabies are available at medical treatment facilities in theater. 
  • Rabies vaccines, for both animals and humans, must be stored and handled correctly to be effective and must only be given by authorized personnel. 
  • Medical treatment may be post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP includes wound care, injection of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and a series of 4 or 5 rabies vaccinations (doses may be reduced if the individual was vaccinated before the exposure). 
  • If complete preventive treatment is obtained promptly following a rabies exposure, nearly all cases of rabies will be prevented. All individuals who may have been exposed should seek immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

​Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is rabies? 

A. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted from infected mammals to humans and, if untreated, is almost always fatal. 


Q. How do people get rabies? 

A. People get rabies from contact with a rabid animal. The exposure is nearly always through a bite, but rabies can also be transmitted if a rabid animal's saliva comes into contact with a person's broken skin, eyes or mouth. It is important to note that in developing countries, dogs are the main source of the rabies virus. In the U.S. and other developed nations where pets are vaccinated, bats and wild animals become the major concern.


Q. Can all animals transmit rabies?

A. No, only mammals (warm-blooded animals with fur) carry rabies. Dogs, cats, bats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, and jackals are among the most likely mammals to transmit the virus. Small rodents, such as mice and rats, rarely transmit the disease. Outside of the U.S. and other developed countries, dogs are by far the most common source of rabies.


Q. How can I tell if an animal has rabies?

A. Often you cannot. Despite the common belief that rabid animals are easily identified by foaming at the mouth and aggressive behavior, infected animals may not look sick or act strange. All bites or contact with saliva from animals should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider in consultation with a veterinarian.


Q. What are the symptoms of rabies?

A. Early symptoms may include irritability, headache, fever and itching or pain at the exposure site. The disease eventually progresses to spasms of the throat and the muscles used for breathing, convulsions or seizures, confusion, paralysis and death. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. 


Q. How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? 

A. The time between exposure and the onset of symptoms – the incubation period – varies but averages two to twelve weeks in humans. In rare cases, symptoms may not appear for over one year. 


Q. What is the treatment if I'm bitten by an animal or exposed to its saliva or other body fluids?  

A. To prevent rabies from an animal bite or exposure to its saliva, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and report to the nearest medical provider. ALL animal bites should be evaluated by a health care provider to assess risk of rabies exposure. A physician may order an injection of rabies immune globulin and a series of four or five injections of a rabies vaccine to the arm to prevent the disease. This treatment is extremely effective and should be initiated as soon after the bite as possible. (Individuals who were previously vaccinated against rabies do not require rabies immune globulin and need fewer doses of the vaccine following an exposure.) 


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