Animal Bites, Scratches and Stings
If you are bitten, scratched or stung by any animal (including household pets), consider contacting your healthcare provider, a nurse helpline or going to the nearest urgent care/emergency room. This is especially important if you are traveling out of the country.
In some cases, you can treat the injury at home. However, antibiotics, stitches, antivenom, Tetanus (Tdap) or rabies vaccination may be appropriate. A medical professional can help you decide what to do.
In some cases, you can treat the injury at home. However, antibiotics, stitches, antivenom, Tetanus (Tdap) or rabies vaccination may be appropriate. A medical professional can help you decide what to do.
Rabies Prevention and Treatment
Rabies can be transmitted from animals to humans or animal to animal. Although rare, rabies is a concern in the United States. In Washington State, it is encouraged that dogs, cats, ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Livestock may need to be vaccinated if they are often in close contact with humans. Talk to your veterinarian about the best rabies vaccination schedule for your pets. Preventative vaccine for animals can prevent the need for people to undergo rabies vaccination if bitten. The rabies vaccine for pets is extremely effective.
While any mammal can get rabies, most animals tests for rabies in Washington State are bats. However, other mammals have been found to carry rabies. If you are bitten by a wild animal, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room.
When to seek medical care
If you are bitten by an animal, you may be encouraged to undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP to prevent rabies. The modern vaccine series of 5 shots over 14 days should be started as soon as possible if there was a possible rabies exposure.
While any mammal can get rabies, most animals tests for rabies in Washington State are bats. However, other mammals have been found to carry rabies. If you are bitten by a wild animal, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room.
When to seek medical care
If you are bitten by an animal, you may be encouraged to undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP to prevent rabies. The modern vaccine series of 5 shots over 14 days should be started as soon as possible if there was a possible rabies exposure.
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Asotin County Public Health leads the community through education and evidence-based practices to prevent illness, promote health, and protect the environment to improve the quality of life in our communities.