September 28 is World Rabies Day Published Sept. 10, 2014 By Capt. Olujimisola M. Adelani 87th Medical Group JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- On September 28 of every year, the world unites in the fight against rabies. World Rabies Day is a day of activism which promotes awareness about rabies prevention and transmission. What to know about Rabies: Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is found in the saliva of an infected animal and is transmitted by a bite, or possibly by saliva contamination of an open cut on the skin or the eyes, nose or mouth. Left untreated, rabies attacks the nervous system and causes death. Rabies occurs most often in wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, skunks, groundhogs, and foxes. In 2013, there were 315 rabies cases in New Jersey (249 cases in various domestic/wild animal species and 66 cases in bats). Cats account for the vast majority of domestic animal rabies cases in New Jersey. In the United States, most of the relatively few recent human cases of rabies in have resulted from bats. However, dogs are still a significant source of rabies in other countries, so travelers should be aware of this risk when traveling outside the country. Rabid animals are usually either vicious or aggressive, or may appear to be drunk and have trouble walking. Some animals may be rabid even though they appear to be normal. You should ALWAYS stay away from wild and stray animals. If bitten and/or scratched by an animal, 1) clean the wound immediately with soap and water and 2) promptly seek medical care. The time between exposure to rabies and the onset of symptom varies but averages two to twelve weeks in humans. In rare cases, symptoms may not appear for more than one year. Once the outward signs of the disease appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu including general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. These symptoms may last for days. As the disease progresses, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and insomnia. To protect pets from rabies, it is important to keep them up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. See local veterinarians for more information on rabies vaccination or take pets to state/municipal sponsored rabies clinics. For more information about rabies, visit http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html or contact the 87th Medical Group Public Health Flight at 609-754-9356.