Warning issued about potential rabies exposure – updated September 16

Update posted on September 16, 2022

North Dakota Wellness and Human Companies (HHS) was notified on September 16, 2022, that the raccoon recognized in relationship with the incident at the Maddock Bar analyzed unfavorable for rabies. 

HHS issued a assertion on September 13, 2022 regarding the scenario.  At that time the whereabouts of the raccoon was continue to staying determined.

“When humans and animals this kind of as raccoons appear into make contact with with each individual other, we have no choice but to contemplate the likelihood of rabies exposures and the greatest follow is to rule out rabies by testing” reported Amanda Bakken, epidemiologist with HHS. 

“For domestic dogs, cats and ferrets, the period of viral shedding is recognized perfectly adequate to enable for an observation time period to rule out rabies exposures. Sadly, with most other mammals, the period of time of viral shedding is not comprehended properly sufficient to permit for trustworthy observation periods.”

For additional information and facts about animal rabies exercise in North Dakota, make sure you visit ndhealth.gov/sickness/rabies.

Original post on September 13, 2022

North Dakota Wellness and Human Services (HHS) is notifying the public of a circumstance in Maddock, ND, which may possibly have resulted in opportunity rabies exposures. A captive raccoon was brought into the Maddock Bar on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Everyone who might have been bitten by the raccoon, or experienced contact with the raccoon’s saliva, ought to communicate with a health and fitness care service provider as shortly as possible relating to the possibility of probable rabies publicity. “Because rabies is this kind of a critical ailment with a practically 100{530e870c018efe4faeaf1650f5521f73bbd950ecc9f753be09e2bfdaa8245e82} fatality charge, we are generating this data obtainable to the general public as a precautionary measure,” reported Amanda Bakken, an epidemiologist with HHS.

Rabies is a viral infection that influences mammals, together with humans. In the United States, the virus circulates in wild animals and is most normally located in bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes. Rabid wildlife can transmit rabies to unvaccinated cats, pet dogs and farm animals, which then pose a danger to people today.

The virus is most generally transmitted by means of the bite of an contaminated animal. Rabies can also be transmitted if saliva or nervous program tissue from a rabid animal enters open cuts and wounds or the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus assaults the nervous procedure and triggers swelling of the brain. There is no therapy and rabies is just about generally lethal.

“You really should seek health-related treatment as soon as feasible if an animal bites you,” said Bakken. “If the animal is a healthier pet, cat or domestic ferret, it need to be confined and held for observation for 10 times to rule out rabies virus transmission. If a wild animal little bit you, the animal need to be euthanized and examined for rabies.”

HHS endorses taking the pursuing safety measures to reduce the threat of rabies:

• Do not hold wild animals as animals. It is illegal in North Dakota to keep a raccoon or a skunk as a pet.
• Check out to maintain stray animals and wildlife, particularly skunks, away from pets and livestock.
• Retain pet dogs, cats, ferrets and horses up to date on vaccinations for rabies. Your veterinarian can suggest you on present-day vaccination recommendations.
• Do not leave exposed garbage or pet foodstuff outside as this could attract wild or stray animals to your property or garden.
• Do not tactic unfamiliar or wild animals.
• Find out how to stop animal bites, specially to little ones. Teach small children hardly ever to take care of or solution unknown animals without authorization from a parent or guardian and the animal’s proprietor.
• Report stray, or animals acting in an strange fashion, to area animal management.
• Bat-proof your residence to avert bats from nesting within and obtaining access to people today or pets.
• Keep away from get hold of with animals whilst touring, particularly internationally.

In 2022, six rabid animals have been described in North Dakota, including two bats, two cats, one particular bovine and 1 skunk. For additional information and facts about animal rabies exercise in North Dakota, remember to visit ndhealth.gov/sickness/rabies.