Rabies
Rabies is an immediately notifiable condition and a reportable disease in Oklahoma. All animals testing positive for rabies will be investigated by the Oklahoma State Department of Health Acute Disease Service epidemiologist. Healthcare providers can speak with an epidemiologist about suspected human rabies by calling (405) 426-8710.
Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. The rabies virus can affect the central nervous system of humans and other warm-blooded mammals. Human rabies is very rare in the United States, but animal rabies, particularly in some wild animal species, is more common. Rabies infections are almost always fatal once symptoms of the disease have begun.
Rabies virus is found only in the brain, spinal fluid, and saliva of infected animals. Transmission of the rabies virus can occur if any of these fluids or tissues from an infected animal enters the body through a bite, fresh opening of the skin that has not scabbed over, or mucous membrane (eyes, lining of the nose, or mouth). The following are not exposures to rabies: being scratched by the animal, contact with blood, urine, feces, dried saliva, petting or touching the hair of a rabid animal, touching water bowls, lead ropes, gates, trailers, or other surfaces which the rabid animal had contact.
In the United States, rabies is primarily found in raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Rabies virus is found only in the brain, spinal fluid, and saliva of infected animals. Transmission of the rabies virus can occur if any of these fluids or tissues from an infected animal enters the body through a bite, fresh opening of the skin that has not scabbed over, or mucous membrane (eyes, lining of the nose, or mouth). The following are not exposures to rabies: being scratched by the animal, contact with blood, urine, feces, dried saliva, petting or touching the hair of a rabid animal, touching water bowls, lead ropes, gates, trailers, or other surfaces which the rabid animal had contact.
Rabies is an immediately notifiable condition and a reportable disease in Oklahoma.
Because rabies is primarily found in raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes in the U.S., the best way to prevent rabies is to avoid wild mammals. Avoid helping injured or sick looking animals; instead contact local authorities.
It is important to seek medical care immediately if you believe you have been bitten by a rabid animal. If you are recommended to receive post exposure shots, we recommend you receive the shots as soon as possible. After the bite you do have time to look for an animal for 72 hours, have the animal tested for rabies at the OSDH Public Health Lab, or observe a dog/cat/ferret for 10 days.
