Every animal gets one bite: animal bites on JB MDL Published July 6, 2011 By 87th Medical Group Public Health Flight JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites result in injuries requiring medical attention. In 2010, New Jersey had a total of 282 positive rabies cases, and for the last five years there has been an average of 17 cases in cats. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst had a total of 17 animal bites reported to Public Health. According to the Center of Disease Control the individuals who are at risk for a possible animal bites are as follows: - Children: Among children, the rate of animal bite-related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years, and children are more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites than adults. However, recent research shows the rate of animal-bite related injuries among children is decreasing. - Adult males: Among adults, males are more likely than females to be bitten. - People with dogs in their homes: Among children and adults, having a dog in the household is associated with a higher incidence of dog bites. As the number of dogs in the home increases, so does the incidence of dog bites. Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs at home. The rabies virus attacks the brain and nervous system of mammals. The virus is spread in the saliva of an infected animal and is usually transmitted to humans or other animals through bite wounds. The virus can also be spread when infected saliva comes in contact with open cuts (i.e., scratches from animals), and the mouth, eyes and nose. Dogs, cats and ferrets can transmit rabies, but a current rabies vaccination greatly reduces the risk of rabies exposure to these animals. Animals considered being at highest risk for transmitting rabies includes raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. The possibility of an animal having rabies depends heavily on the species of the animal, its behavior and where a person was exposed to the animal. Domestic dogs, cats and ferrets have a well-defined incubation period for the rabies virus. If someone has been bitten by one of these three animals, and the animal does not appear overtly ill at the time, then the animal will be observed "quarantined" by local health authorities or JB MDL Army veterinary for 10 days. If the animal is a "house pet" with all its shots they can be home quarantined for 10 days. If the animal remains healthy during that period, no rabies shot is needed. Raccoons, skunks and foxes should not be held for observation following a bite. Unlike dogs and cats, the time the rabies virus may be excreted in the saliva of these animals before onset of signs of disease has not been established. Therefore, if possible, they should be safely captured by animal control and sacrificed. If someone is bitten by an animal, they need to remain calm, try to identify the size, breed and/or type of animal, location and events leading up to the bite. They should immediately clean the wound by washing with soap and water, scrub the area lightly and cover with a clean bandage. They should then seek medical attention at the 87th Medical Group Clinic or an emergency department. The determination to administer rabies vaccination will then be made. If rabies vaccination is recommended, the initial dose will be administered at the emergency department, the remaining three doses can be given at the clinic. Once the person has been seen by a provider, either their PCM or at an emergency department, please report to the Public Health Office in the 87th MDG building. JB MDL does have an animal bite program based in the Public Health office. Public Health officials are responsible for monitoring the overall animal bite program, ensuring all patients receive proper treatment and follow-up. Additionally, staff will also ensure the animal is placed in quarantine and released healthy, if the animal is found. To help prevent possible animal bites, follow these safety tips: · Do not approach an unfamiliar dog, cat or other stray animal. · Do not run from a dog or scream. · Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog. · If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still. · Children should not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. · Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to animal control. · Do not provoke animals, domestic or wild. · Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. · Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. · Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first. · If bitten, immediately seek medical attention. Contact the staff at the Public Health Office at 754-9356 for any questions.