Nebraska officials investigate a recent death due to a possible rabies infection
A Nebraska Panhandle person's death is being investigated due to possible rabies infection, according to the Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) yesterday.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) says there is no risk to the public at large.
Any family and healthcare professionals suspected of being in contact with the individual are being assessed for exposure, and those deemed at risk are being offered post-exposure prophylaxis.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal. Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
Immediate medical attention following suspected rabies exposure is critical. Medical care following a rabies exposure is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP includes wound care, a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of four or five rabies vaccines, which must be administered as soon as possible after exposure. This care is vital to prevent the disease from developing. It is nearly 100% effective if administered promptly. Each year, 60,000 Americans receive PEP after a potential rabies exposure.
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The disease is rare in humans in the United States, with fewer than 10 deaths reported each year. Still, rabies poses a serious public health threat, because of its high death rate in people. It is also present in many wildlife species, nearly 3 in 4 Americans live in a community where raccoons, skunks, or foxes carry rabies.
DHHS offers the following to prevent rabies:
Be a responsible animal owner. Work with your local veterinarian to keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals you own that can be vaccinated for rabies.
Seek immediate veterinary assistance for your pet if it is bitten by or exposed to a wild or stray animal.
Call your local animal control agency about removing stray animals in your neighborhood.
Do not touch, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
Never bring wild animals into your home. Do not try to nurse sick, wild animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
Wash bites or scratches immediately with soap and water and seek medical care shortly after potential exposures.Â