CMDHD Recognizing September 28 as World Rabies Day

Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) is recognizing World Rabies Day on September 28 by reminding residents that rabies is deadly, but preventable. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” highlights the important role we all play in preventing rabies and protecting our families, pets, and community.

Rabies is a virus that can spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. In Michigan, bats are the animals most often found with rabies. Raccoons, skunks, and foxes can also carry the virus. Learn more about rabies at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Rabies webpage.

There are simple steps everyone can take to prevent rabies. Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Avoid touching or approaching wild animals, especially bats. Teach children to stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. If you encounter a bat or other wild animal, do not touch it. Contact CMDHD if you think you or someone in your household may have been exposed.

“Rabies remains a completely preventable disease, but eliminating it requires a unified effort,” said Rikki Fedewa, CMDHD Personal Health Supervisor. “This year’s World Rabies Day theme, ‘Stronger Together,’ reminds us that local health departments, veterinary professionals, and residents all have a role to play. By keeping our pets vaccinated, understanding the risks, and reporting wildlife exposures right away, we can protect the people and animals we love.”

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, or if you have contact with a bat, report the exposure to CMDHD within 24 hours. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Our team can help determine whether you may have been exposed to rabies and what steps you should take. This may include contacting a health care provider about treatment. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, but prompt treatment after exposure can prevent the disease from developing.

A bat in your home can be an exposure even if you do not remember being bitten. Bat bites can be very small and may not be noticed. If you wake up and find a bat in the room, or a bat is found near a young child or someone who may not be able to report contact, contact CMDHD for guidance before releasing the bat.

Remember: Keep pets vaccinated. Avoid wildlife. Report exposures right away.

To learn more or report an exposure, visit CMDHD's Rabies webpage or call CMDHD at 989-314-7570. You can also submit a report using CMDHD's Rabies Exposure Report for Medical Providers.

Central Michigan District Health Department serves Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon Counties. Connect with CMDHD online at cmdhd.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. CMDHD is a proud member of the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance.