Rabies Prevention

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Rabies Prevention Control in Montana
Jim Murphy, Health Specialist Montana
Department of Public Health and Human Services
Environmental Public Health Tracking 1400
Broadway, Cogswell Building Helena, MT
59620(406) 444-0273 jmurphy_at_state.mt.us
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High Risk Animals- Fox
In Montana Rare positives, two imports in recent
yrs. 41 foxes tested in 96-99 with 0 positives
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High Risk Animals- Bats
In Montana Frequent testers, 5- 10 From 96-
99 901 tested with 67 (7.5) positive
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High Risk Animals-Others
In Montana Skunks frequent , Raccoons
rare 96-99- 304 skunks, 122 (40), 134 raccoons
0
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Relative Risks

• Risk depends on exposure
• Average 1-3 cases per year in US.
• v Two known in Montana Dec 96-Jan 97 both males
  with bat-strains and no apparent exposure
• More common in other parts of world (dog related)
• Lightning strikes and tornadoes kill 65-67 people
  per year in U.S.
• 48,366 people die annually in U.S. in
  transportation related accidents

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Infectious Agent

• Viral
• Can not replicate outside of host.
• Fragile- does not survive well in the
  environment, inactivated by
• Sunlight
• Drying
• Heat
• Common disinfectants
• Several unique strains

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Transmission
v Rabies virus is found in saliva and other
infectious material (brain nerve tissue) only
at certain times during the course of the
illness. v In General The virus must enter the
body of a new host (inoculation) exposure does
not always result in infection.
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Transmission
Bites Non-Bites Scratches, abrasions, open
wounds, or mucous membranes contaminated with
infectious material Cornea/Organ transplants (9
on record) Airborne in Caves or Labs? Other
Human to Human transmission not reported.
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Transmission
Not transmitted by - air (maybe in caves?) -
petting a rabid animal - animal waste or
blood - eating tissues, milk?? - other objects
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Control Prevention
Reduce exposure - Wear gloves when working
around cracks/crevices Pre-exposure
vaccination - Recommended for lab workers, vets,
animal handlers others with frequent
contact with possible carriers. - Still need 2
shots after exposure Post-exposure
vaccination - One shot of HRIG around wound 5
shots of vaccine in arm at day 0, 3, 7, 14,
28. Regular exposure should have blood tests
and boosters as necessary.