Rabies is a preventable viral disease transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, affecting the central nervous system and leading to death.
How the virus affects mammals
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. Most rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each year occur in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, though any mammal can contract the disease. To protect pets, the Utah Health Department recommends regular veterinary visits, keeping animals indoors, supervising dogs, spaying or neutering, and contacting animal control for stray animals. For people, prevention includes avoiding wildlife, recognizing risks, washing bites with soap and water, consulting healthcare providers for postexposure care, and vaccinating pets. Rabies in people is 100% preventable through prompt medical care.
Importance of proper precautions
The Utah Health Department emphasizes that rabies is a serious condition that can be prevented with proper precautions for both animals and humans.
