Rabies Virus Infection (Animal) (Human Exposure) USA
29 Dec 2016
Rabies virus infection continues to be reported in the United States of America (USA) via ProMedMail
, resulting in human exposure to the virus. The media has highlighted rabies exposure in several states of the USA.
- Georgia: a Forsyth County resident is reported to have been bitten by a kitten with rabies, details on the persons condition were not available.
- California: a dead cat in Fair Oaks tested positive for the rabies virus, health officials have been in communication with those identified as having direct contact with the animal and residents in the area have been made aware in case they or their pets came into contact with the rabid cat.
Advice for Travellers
Travellers should be aware that rabies virus circulates in terrestrial animals in much of the USA, (e.g. raccoons, bats and skunks) and they should avoid contact with wildlife. All animal bites should be reported and carefully assessed; post-exposure treatment is accessible in the USA.