Generally, the majority of dogs and cats are vaccinated in Texas and throughout the United States. A domestic pet, such as a dog or a cat are unlikely to transmit the rabies virus. Also, rabies transmitted via livestock such as like horses, cows, and goats is uncommon. However, a rabies test and most likely inoculation are necessary whenever an animal is not vaccinated and attacks when unprovoked, or if the tame animal was bitten by a wild animal. Today, we at Lastimado TX would like to further discuss the concerns of rabies.
Is Rabies 100% Death Rate?
Rabies are a virus that has been around for centuries, and it attacks the central nervous system. It was referred to “hydrophobia,” or fear of water when the Romans wrote about it. Because rabies paralyses the throat and those who contract it cannot swallow, it was called this. If not treated, rabies is 100% fatal. Rabies has the highest mortality rate (99.9%) of any disease on earth.
Rabies Vaccine
A quick shot in the upper arm (deltoid) consists of the rabies vaccine. The shot goes in the upper leg for kids. A person will need three to four shots spaced a few days apart, usually. There are very few side effects for most people and they are easily administered as these shots are not particularly painful. It is best to call your doctor and arrange for your shot immediately, if you are bitten by a potentially rabid animal like a bat, coyote, fox, skunk, or raccoon as well as a domestic pet you suspect has rabies. Contain the animal that bit you if it is possible and it is safe to do so. You will want to prevent others from being bitten and the animal needs to be examined. If the shots are administered within 72 hours after the bite, rabies is almost 100% curable.
Is Rabies Prevalent in Texas?
There are enough cases to warrant being very proactive, though rabies is not super common. It was found that about 6% of nearly 10,000 dogs that were tested were positive for rabies in a 2020 Texas Health and Human Services Zoonosis Control study, for instance. In Texas, cats are actually more likely to carry rabies. There were 45 reported cases of rabies in domestic animals: 25 cats and 8 dogs according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, in 2020.
Animals Most Likely to Carry Rabies
The bat is actually the most common carrier of rabies in Texas. You may not even know you were bitten since a bat has tiny teeth. For animals that are infected, it is common for them to behave strangely, such as a bat that is out during the day or that attacks humans or other animals. You need to get the bat tested and/or get the rabies vaccine if at any time you or a family member wakes up with a bat in the room. Skunks and raccoons are common carriers of rabies in Texas. You do not need to be bitten to contract rabies, which is important to know. You can also contract it if the virus comes in contact with your mucus membrane, such as your eyes. The rabies vaccine is warranted if you get scratched by a potentially or known to be rabid animal in some cases.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas, San Antonio & Austin, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Garland, Irving, Mesquite & Grand Prairie, Texas)
If rabies where contracted because you were bit by a domestic pet, you can be compensated for the medical bills, time off work, and more when you call Lastimado TX and let us help you!
