By Dr. Michael Beaulieu
LMASDHD Medical Director
Animal bites happen every day, and while most heal without serious problems, some can become infected or result in exposure to rabies—a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented if treatment begins promptly after an exposure.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. It is spread through the saliva of infected mammals, usually by a bite. In Michigan, bats are the most common source of rabies, although raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other wild animals can also carry the virus. Small rodents such as squirrels, mice, chipmunks, and rabbits rarely carry rabies.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Apply a clean bandage. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the bite is deep, involves the face or hands, or comes from a wild animal or an unfamiliar dog or cat. If possible, identify the animal and call your local health department for guidance. If the animal can be safely confined, do not release the animal until you have spoken with the health department. Even if the bite comes from your own vaccinated dog or cat, you should clean the wound and seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider and health department can determine whether the animal should be observed or tested for rabies. Do not attempt to capture a wild animal yourself.
Even bites that seem minor can become infected or require additional treatment. Your healthcare provider will thoroughly clean the wound and determine whether stitches are appropriate.
Antibiotics may be prescribed, especially for bites to the hands or deep puncture wounds. A tetanus booster may also be recommended if you are not up to date on your immunizations.
About 60 animals test positive for rabies each year in Michigan, and about 90% of those cases involve bats. Bat exposures deserve special attention. Bat bites can be so small that they may go unnoticed. If you wake up and find a bat in your bedroom or discover a bat in the room with a sleeping child or a person who is unable to reliably report whether they were bitten, you should call your healthcare provider or health department immediately. Even without an obvious bite, these situations may require rabies evaluation and, in some cases, preventive treatment.
If there is any concern for rabies exposure, your healthcare provider and the health department will determine whether rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. This treatment includes rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccinations. When started promptly after exposure, PEP is highly effective at preventing rabies.
To reduce your risk of animal bites and rabies, never approach or feed wild animals, even if they appear friendly or injured. Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations, supervise them outdoors, and avoid handling bats or other wildlife. Teach children never to pet unfamiliar animals without the owner’s permission.
Most animal bites are not medical emergencies, but they should never be ignored. Prompt wound care and timely medical evaluation can prevent serious infections and ensure that lifesaving rabies treatment is given when needed. If you have questions about an animal bite or possible rabies exposure, call your healthcare provider or your local health department right away. When it comes to rabies, it’s always better to ask than to wait.
