.webp)
According to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, county health officials are working to spread awareness of the dangers of rabies to humans and animals as part of World Rabies Day on September 28.
Riverside County health officials are working to grow awareness of the dangers of rabies to humans and animals as part of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28. The annual observance is held to remind residents that rabies can make humans sick if they acquire the disease through physical contact with an infected animal.
World Rabies Day serves as an annual reminder of the potential danger posed by rabies, emphasizing that this viral disease can affect humans and is transmissible through physical contact with an infected animal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a fatal yet preventable disease that can be transmitted between humans and domesticated animals through bites or scratches from a rabid animal. While in the United States, rabies is predominantly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, it's important to note that in many other countries, dogs remain carriers of rabies, and a significant portion of global rabies-related fatalities results from dog bites.
In an effort to promote awareness and assist the community, complimentary rabies vaccinations and microchipping services will be available on September 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Riverside County animal shelters in Jurupa Valley (6851 Van Buren Blvd, Jurupa Valley) and Coachella Valley (72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms). To secure an appointment for the free rabies vaccination clinic on September 28, please visit rcdas.org.
Animals infected with rabies will display a range of symptoms, including lethargy, fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. As the infection progresses, these signs can rapidly escalate to cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, paralysis, seizures, breathing difficulties, swallowing problems, excessive salivation, altered behavior, aggression, and even self-injury.
The good news is that rabies is preventable if appropriate treatment is administered before symptoms manifest. If residents have had any contact with wildlife or unfamiliar animals, or if they have been bitten or scratched, it's crucial to promptly clean any wounds with soap and water and then seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider.
“It’s never a good idea to touch or handle an animal, particularly a wild animal, dead or alive. Doing so places an individual at risk of becoming sick with this fatal disease,” said Barbara Cole, Disease Control Director with Riverside University Health System – Public Health.