Rabies Prevention & Animal Bites

Rabies is a serious and deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system. It is spread to people primarily through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Rabies can also be transmitted if infected saliva comes into contact with an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Only mammals can get and transmit rabies. In Iowa, wild animals at higher risk for carrying rabies include bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Dogs, cats, livestock, and other mammals can also become infected.

Rabies is preventable when appropriate treatment is received before symptoms develop, which is why it is important to take any possible exposure seriously.

If You Are Bitten or Scratched by an Animal

1. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. 
2. Seek medical attention and discuss whether there is a possible risk of rabies. 
3. Report the bite or possible rabies exposure so the situation can be evaluated. 
4. If possible, do not release or destroy the animal until you have received instructions from the appropriate authorities. The animal may need to be confined, observed, or tested for rabies.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite or potentially expose a person to rabies are generally confined and observed for 10 days when appropriate. If the animal remains alive and healthy throughout the 10-day period, rabies exposure is not a concern.

Bats & Rabies

Never handle a bat with your bare hands. Bat bites and scratches can be very small and may go unnoticed.

A possible rabies exposure should be evaluated if a bat is found in a room with someone who cannot confidently say that the bat did not touch them. This can include:

• A sleeping person
• A baby or young child
• A person who may not be able to reliably communicate whether contact occurred
• An intoxicated or otherwise incapacitated person

If this occurs, do not simply release the bat. Contact a healthcare provider or public health for guidance. If the bat can be safely captured, it may be tested for rabies, which can help determine whether treatment is necessary.

Preventing Rabies

You can help protect yourself, your family, and your pets by:

• Keeping pets current on their rabies vaccinations.
• Avoiding contact with wild, stray, sick, or unusually behaving animals.
• Teaching children never to touch or approach unfamiliar or wild animals.
• Never handling bats with bare hands.
• Keeping garbage covered and pet food indoors to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Contacting an appropriate animal control or wildlife professional when assistance is needed with a wild animal.

Iowa law requires dogs over six months of age to maintain rabies vaccination. Iowa HHS also recommends rabies vaccination for other appropriate domestic animals.

Questions or Possible Rabies Exposure

For questions regarding rabies prevention, an animal bite, or a possible rabies exposure, contact:

Mitchell County Public Health
Phone: 641-832-3500

If you have been bitten or may have been exposed to rabies, contact a healthcare provider for medical evaluation.

For an immediate medical emergency, call 911.

Iowa HHS Rabies Resources

Iowa HHS – Rabies Information: It has information for the public about animal bites, bats, rabies testing, post-exposure treatment, prevention, and Iowa-specific rabies information.

Iowa HHS – Frequently Asked Questions About Bats & Rabies: A very useful resource for residents who find a bat in their home. It includes guidance and photos explaining what to do and how a bat can be safely captured when necessary.

Iowa HHS – Rabies Exposure Guidance: More detailed information about determining whether an animal encounter constitutes a rabies exposure and whether an animal should be confined or tested.