Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. the virus is present in saliva and in the nervous tissue of a rabid animal.
Rabies is most often seen among wild mammals such as raccoons,bats,skunks,and foxes.Cats,dogs,and livestock can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them. Deer and large rodents,such as woodchucks,have been found rabid in areas affected by rabies.
People usually get exposed to the rabies virus when an infected animal bites them. Exposure may also appear if scratched by an infected animal or if saliva enter an open cut or mucous membrane (nose, mouth,eyes).
Treatment:Wash the flesh wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor and your local health authority. Try to catch the animal.But stay away from mouth,open cuts, or mucous membranes.If you are tested positive for rabies you must get a dose of rabies-immune globulin administered as soon as possible after exposure.The first of five doses rabies is at the same time,with the remaining injections given one each on days 3,7,14,and 28 following the initial injection.