What Is Rabies?
     Rabies is a preventable disease that affects the brain. It is fatal with no known cure once a person begins to get ill. Rabies is spread from one animal to another in the wild through biting. Rabies can also spread to people through the bite of a rabid animal.
     The most common cause of rabies is a bite from a rabid animal. Anyone who is bitten by a wild animal should receive a medical evaluation immediately.
     West Virginia has about 100 cases of animal rabies per year. The most common rabid animals are raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Other wild mammals such as bears, bobcats, groundhogs and coyotes sometimes test positive for rabies. Cats and dogs that do not have their rabies shots can also get rabies.

What Should My Child Do If Bitten?
Again, anyone who is bitten by a wild animal should receive a medical evaluation immediately. The doctor will:

• Was the wound carefully.
• Determine if rabies vaccination is needed.
• Report the bite to the local health department.

The local health department will:

• Determine if the animal should be observed or tested for rabies.
• Monitor the situation until resolved.