Ashe County Animal Control and AppHealthCare have reported seven confirmed rabies cases in Ashe County, three of which involved a human being bitten by a rabid animal. Now is more important than ever to keep your dogs and cats vaccinated. This protects their lives, keeps your family safe, and helps to stop the spread of this horrible disease in our county.
The rabies virus is shed through the infected animal’s saliva. If your dog or cat is attacked by a raccoon or wild animal, wait until your animal dries completely before handling it. The virus dies when the saliva dries out. Always wear gloves. Once your animal is dry, clean your animal with Dawn or a detergent. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the animal.
“Rabies is a terrible, but preventable viral disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly, and contact with stray animals may put you and your family at risk. It is best to be cautious and avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director.
For additional information about rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s website – https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.
For additional information about AppHealthCare or other community resources and health related data, please call our offices, Alleghany (336) 372-5641, Ashe (336) 246-9449, Watauga (828) 264-4995 or visit our website at www.apphealthcare.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.