Jul 24, 2007 11:30 am US/Eastern
DPH Finds Spike In Worcester Area Rabies Cases
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
State health officials are warning the public about a sharp increase in the number of animal rabies cases in Worcester County.
Research shows a 77% increase in the number of rabies positive animals over the past three months. A total of 15 animals -- 12 raccoons, two cats and one woodchuck -- have been clustered in several communities throughout the County.
Health officials credit this increase to the natural cycling of infectious disease within the animal population.
Rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, cats, foxes, bats and woodchucks. Rabid animals can spread the virus to humans through a bite, scratch or introduction of the animal's saliva into a person's eyes, nose, mouth, or open cut.
It's important to note there are no human cases of the disease in Massachusetts, and the last reported case occured in 1934.
Health officials are reminding the public to protect themselves and their pets from rabies by following these simple steps:
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up-to-date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Avoid wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Do not feed or pet strays. Avoid any animal — wild, farm or pet — that you do not know. Report any animal that behaves oddly to your local animal control official.
- Teach children to avoid wildlife, strays and all other animals they do not know well.
- Do not handle dead, sick, or injured wild animals yourself; call the police or animal control officer. If you must handle the animal, use heavy gloves, sticks or other tools to avoid direct contact.
- Feed pets indoors and keep them indoors at night. If they are outside during the day, keep them on a leash or fenced in so they cannot wander. Although rare, it is possible for vaccinated pets to get rabies. Pets allowed to roam freely are more likely to get rabies and possibly expose people and other pets in your home.
- Fasten trash can lids tightly. Garbage attracts animals (like skunks, raccoons and strays) looking for an easy meal.
For more information on rabies, please visit the
MDPH web site or call 617-983-6800.
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