Denton County Health Dept. Urges Precautions to Avoid Rabies Exposure

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Denton County Health Dept. Urges Precautions to Avoid Rabies Exposure

The Denton County Health Department has observed a high number of positive rabies cases in animals for the year, and would like to remind residents to take precautions by keeping family pets vaccinated against rabies and avoiding wild animals. In 2011, Denton County experienced 25 positive rabies cases in animals, and has had 9 cases reported this year. Overall, there was a higher than average number of rabies reports statewide last year, particularly in the North Texas and Central Texas regions.

Skunks and bats are the most common carriers of rabies, but family pets are at a greater risk of being exposed and passing the virus to humans, due to the increase. People can contract rabies from an animal bite or scratch, or if an animal’s saliva comes into contact with an open wound, eyes, mouth, or nose. If you have been bitten, quickly wash the area with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and immediately contact your health provider to determine if further treatment is needed. For more information, please visit www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/rabiesor www.cdc.gov/rabies. To contact Flower Mound Animal Services, please call 972.874.6390, 972.539.0525 (after-hours), or e-mail animalservices@flower-mound.com.

Posted 03/08/2012.