Update posted on September 16, 2022
North Dakota Well being and Human Companies (HHS) was notified on September 16, 2022, that the raccoon determined in link with the incident at the Maddock Bar tested detrimental for rabies.
HHS issued a statement on September 13, 2022 pertaining to the predicament. At that time the whereabouts of the raccoon was however staying identified.
“When humans and animals this kind of as raccoons appear into call with every single other, we have no choice but to look at the possibility of rabies exposures and the ideal practice is to rule out rabies by testing” mentioned Amanda Bakken, epidemiologist with HHS.
“For domestic puppies, cats and ferrets, the interval of viral shedding is understood properly more than enough to permit for an observation interval to rule out rabies exposures. Regretably, with most other mammals, the period of time of viral shedding is not recognized effectively sufficient to make it possible for for reputable observation periods.”
For supplemental details about animal rabies activity in North Dakota, please visit ndhealth.gov/disease/rabies.
Authentic publish on September 13, 2022
North Dakota Health and fitness and Human Providers (HHS) is notifying the community of a problem in Maddock, ND, which may possibly have resulted in possible rabies exposures. A captive raccoon was brought into the Maddock Bar on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Any one who may perhaps have been bitten by the raccoon, or experienced get hold of with the raccoon’s saliva, should really discuss with a overall health care supplier as before long as probable concerning the possibility of potential rabies exposure. “Because rabies is this kind of a critical disorder with a approximately 100{7b6cc35713332e03d34197859d8d439e4802eb556451407ffda280a51e3c41ac} fatality level, we are creating this details available to the public as a precautionary measure,” explained Amanda Bakken, an epidemiologist with HHS.
Rabies is a viral infection that influences mammals, which include humans. In the United States, the virus circulates in wild animals and is most commonly discovered in bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes. Rabid wildlife can transmit rabies to unvaccinated cats, puppies and farm animals, which then pose a threat to folks.
The virus is most usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Rabies can also be transmitted if saliva or anxious technique tissue from a rabid animal enters open cuts and wounds or the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus attacks the nervous procedure and will cause swelling of the brain. There is no procedure and rabies is virtually constantly deadly.
“You should search for healthcare care as shortly as possible if an animal bites you,” reported Bakken. “If the animal is a wholesome puppy, cat or domestic ferret, it should be confined and held for observation for ten times to rule out rabies virus transmission. If a wild animal bit you, the animal need to be euthanized and analyzed for rabies.”
HHS recommends getting the pursuing safeguards to minimize the possibility of rabies:
- Do not maintain wild animals as pets. It is unlawful in North Dakota to hold a raccoon or a skunk as a pet.
- Consider to keep stray animals and wildlife, in particular skunks, absent from pets and livestock.
- Hold puppies, cats, ferrets and horses up to date on vaccinations for rabies. Your veterinarian can advise you on latest vaccination recommendations.
- Do not leave uncovered garbage or pet food outside as this may well attract wild or stray animals to your household or lawn.
- Do not technique unfamiliar or wild animals.
- Discover how to avoid animal bites, particularly to youngsters. Teach youngsters hardly ever to tackle or solution mysterious animals without permission from a mum or dad or guardian and the animal’s proprietor.
- Report stray, or animals performing in an uncommon method, to community animal handle.
- Bat-proof your house to reduce bats from nesting inside of and owning access to individuals or pets.
- Stay clear of get hold of with animals though traveling, specifically internationally.
In 2022, 6 rabid animals have been reported in North Dakota, including two bats, two cats, a person bovine and a single skunk. For additional information and facts about animal rabies activity in North Dakota, remember to visit ndhealth.gov/illness/rabies.