Rabies Clinics to Address Growing Problem

Rabies is an increasing problem in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH). Ever since the year 2000, between 300 and 500 animals are confirmed in labs each year to have had rabies. Most of these cases of rabies come from animals like raccoons, skunks, cats, bats, or foxes, but some cases are discovered in dogs.

Human rabies is quite rare, according to the PDH, and dogs infected with rabies are also rare. However, dogs occasionally do get rabies, and if an infected dog bites a human, it can lead to serious health risks that usually include death. Pennsylvania cities and towns are beginning to open rabies clinics for dogs and other pets to ensure that they receive the rabies shot required by Pennsylvania law (all dogs and cats over three months old are required to be vaccinated against rabies).

Rabies is a disease that is transferred through the saliva of an animal that has bitten another animal or a human. A dog can be infected usually by raccoon bites or bites from other wild animals. Dogs that are infected with rabies will often be irritable or unusually aggressive. They will likely develop fever and might scratch or lick at the bite wound. As the disease continues, the dog will experience disorientation, seizures, foaming at the mouth, and sudden death.

A human who has been bitten by an infected dog or another animal will usually experience flulike symptoms at first after being bitten. The victim can experience a tingling sensation at the location of the bite, and he or she may also experience insomnia or delirious feelings. Unfortunately, most cases of rabies in humans are ultimately fatal. Although the last case of rabies in Pennsylvania occurred thirty years ago, dog owners and members of the public alike need to remain vigilant in order to prevent another case from occurring.

If you suspect that a dog in your neighborhood might be infected, you need to call the police. If you have been bitten by a dog or another animal, even if you do not think it is infected with the rabies virus, you should seek medical care immediately and then call the Philadelphia Division of Disease Control  to report the incident in case there are issues that arise with the bite. And, as always, you can contact our offices in order to receive legal assistance filing your dog bite claim.