What should you do if you think you have been exposed to rabies?
If you have been bitten or scratched by a stray or wild animal, or by a pet or farm animal that has been behaving oddly, follow these steps:

- Wash the wound with soap and water right away for at least five minutes.
- Call your local Board of Health and your doctor, nurse or health center as soon as you finish washing. They will help you decide if you need to be treated for rabies. Follow their instructions to the letter.
- Contact your local animal control officer to catch or find the animal that scratched or bit you. Your local board of health can tell you how to get it tested by the State Rabies Lab.
- If your pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal you think might be rabid, wear gloves to touch it. Follow the steps above but call your pet's veterinarian instead of your own doctor in step 2.

Show All Answers

1. What is rabies?
2. How is rabies spread?
3. How can I tell if an animal is rabid?
4. What should you do if you think you have been exposed to rabies?
5. How can you prevent rabies?